The Veteran's left ankle arthritis and left foot arthritis with heel spur have been evaluated, but the current ratings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not demonstrate marked limitation of motion or other significant functional impairment that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ankle arthritis, Left foot arthritis and heel spur
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 1, 2015
- Citation
- 1528462
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 1528462.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability and a bilateral foot disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher rating for PTSD, and a compensable rating for left ankle arthritis.
- Granted
The Veteran's SMC was granted at the intermediate rate due to his need for aid and attendance, which is related to service-connected conditions including bladder and prostate cancer residuals, lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran does not meet criteria for loss of use of any extremities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle and foot disorders due to a lack of VA examination and medical opinion. The RO is instructed to obtain a VA examination and medical opinion to determine if any current diagnoses are related to active service.
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.