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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1450433.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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