The Veteran's claim for automotive assistance and adaptive equipment was denied as she does not meet the criteria for loss of use of one or both feet due to her service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has degenerative arthritis in both ankles, which do not result in a loss of use of either foot. Her symptoms are managed with braces and crutches but do not necessitate adaptive equipment.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, Post-surgical residuals of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- February 11, 2016
- Citation
- 1605293
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 1605293.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his military service and resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
- Partly granted
The Board granted initial evaluations for degenerative arthritis of the right ankle and right leg length discrepancy, while denying an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right hip sprain with impairment of the thigh and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right foot degenerative arthritis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record. The case is remanded for further development.
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