The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disorder is currently evaluated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5271 for 'limited motion of the ankle.' The VA examiner found no signs of instability or tendon abnormality and noted mild weakness in resisted plantar flexion compared to the right ankle. No other issues were raised during the appeal process.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left ankle disorder does not meet the criteria for an increased rating as it does not result in ankylosis, joint instability, or significant functional loss due to pain, weakness, or lack of endurance.
- Claimed conditions
- status post arthroscopic repair of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 13, 2014
- Citation
- 1450433
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 1450433.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further development, including referral of the Veteran's claim to the Director of Compensation Service for a determination as to whether an extraschedular rating is warranted. The appeal is now pending before the RO and will be scheduled for a videoconference hearing.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left ankle disorder was granted, with a current evaluation of 20 percent.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.