The Veteran's left ankle disorder is rated at 20% and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of ankylosis, arthritis, or instability.,The Veteran's external hemorrhoids are currently rated as noncompensable and do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s left ankle disorder does not demonstrate marked limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating. The thoracolumbar spine disorder is rated based on its current range of motion, which does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Ankle Fracture with Status Post Repair, External Hemorrhoids, Thoracolumbar Spine Disorder (Low Back Pain)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 23, 2015
- Citation
- 1526621
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1526621.
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: Partly granted
The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for GERD and a 50 percent evaluation for cluster headaches, but denied an increased rating for right foot plantar fasciitis. The Veteran was also granted a 10 percent evaluation for external hemorrhoids effective May 19, 2024.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 70 percent for generalized anxiety disorder, denied compensable ratings for external hemorrhoids and sinusitis, granted service connection for migraine headaches secondary to sinusitis, and granted service connection for left foot and left shoulder conditions. The claims for increased ratings for urethral stricture, lumbosacral strain, and ulnar neuropathy were remanded.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The claims of increased ratings for left shoulder degenerative arthritis, external hemorrhoids, and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was granted effective May 9, 2016. The RO also granted SMC and DEA benefits at that time.,Prior to this decision, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for earlier effective dates as his service-connected disabilities did not warrant such an award.
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