The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative joint disease of the left and right ankles, as well as radiculopathy of the upper extremities, have been granted at 10 percent each. The rating for bilateral pes planus has also been granted at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed marked limitation of motion in both ankles and pain with use that was not compensable under other codes, warranting a 10% rating based on arthritis established by X-ray findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Left Ankle, Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Ankle, Degenerative Joint Disease of the Left Foot, Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Foot, Radiculopathy of the Upper Left Extremity, Radiculopathy of the Upper Right Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 1, 2014
- Citation
- 1413931
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1413931.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 60 percent disability rating for the Veteran's cervical spine disability from February 11, 1999, and separate 20 percent ratings for radiculopathy of the upper left and right extremities from March 26, 2009. The claim for service connection for OSA was denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's left ankle DJD and instability are each rated at 20 percent, with the instability issue being granted. The rating for DJD remains denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasoning in its previous decision regarding a rating higher than 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left ankle. The Veteran's testimony during his May 2013 hearing was not adequately addressed, and the Court ordered additional development including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling an examination.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's appeal with respect to PTSD, left ankle disability, and bilateral knee disability has been dismissed.,Service connection for tinnitus (reopened) and tension headaches have been granted. The case is remanded for further action on the remaining issues.
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