The Veteran's service-connected left ankle, left knee, and low back disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to October 19, 2005.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities were characterized by mild to moderate symptoms and impairment, which did not prevent him from performing his previous work as a gasoline station operator until he retired in 1991 due to property issues. His subsequent employment difficulties were attributed to worsening of his ankle and knee conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic subluxation of the left ankle, Left knee strain with moderate instability, Arthritis of the left ankle, Chronic low back disability (associated with chronic subluxation of the left ankle), Arthritis of the left knee (associated with chronic subluxation of the left ankle)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 30, 2017
- Citation
- 1718939
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1718939.
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 Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine, right ankle, left ankle, and left foot on a presumptive basis due to continuous symptoms since service separation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple back and joint disabilities, resolving all reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for arthritis affecting multiple joints, including the back, ankles, hands, hips, and knees. The decision is based on a finding of continuity of symptoms since service.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
Service connection for arthritis of the right ankle and left ankle has been granted.,The issue of service connection for a left foot disability is being remanded.
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