The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disability, including degenerative arthritis and small posttraumatic ossification adjacent to the left medial malleolus, is not related to service. The condition was not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's STRs do not reflect any complaints, treatment, or diagnosis of a left ankle condition during service or within the first post-service year. Additionally, X-ray findings show minimal ankle joint spurring with small posttraumatic ossification adjacent to the left medial malleolus, which is attributed to trauma unrelated to military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 15, 2014
- Citation
- 1455216
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 1455216.
What this means for you
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Denied
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- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability is denied. The effective date of SMC and DEA benefits based on permanent and total disability status is granted.
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