The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at the maximum allowable under DC 5271, and a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, which represents the highest available rating under DC 5276. A higher or separate rating is not warranted without evidence of ankylosis, astragalectomy (the surgical removal of the talus bone), or malunion of os calcis or astragulus bones.,The Veteran's left knee bursitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable DCs. The highest available rating is 10 percent under DC 5284, as it is rated as 'other foot injury'.,Bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at zero percent and no higher ratings are warranted based on the provided information.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left ankle disability has been rated at the maximum allowable under DC 5271. The highest available rating for his left foot plantar fasciitis is also 20 percent, as it does not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of ankylosis or malunion of os calcis or astragulus bones. His left knee bursitis and bilateral hearing loss do not warrant separate or higher ratings under any applicable DCs.
- Claimed conditions
- Fractured dislocation, left ankle, status post open reduction internal fixation with posttraumatic arthritis and scars, Left foot plantar fasciitis, Left knee bursitis, Bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 11, 2015
- Citation
- 1534329
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 1534329.
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: Granted
The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals of the initial ratings for his service-connected chronic cough and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to procedural errors in the evidentiary record.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with hammer toes, hallux valgus and degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and bilateral kidney cysts, rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment. The Board granted the TDIU based on these conditions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus) do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
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.