The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right ankle disability was denied. The Board found that the current 40 percent evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected condition.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's residuals of right ankle fracture have been assigned the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5270, and there is no evidence to support a higher evaluation based on additional functional loss or impairment not already contemplated by the current rating.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of right ankle fracture, left shoulder disorder (secondary), bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (secondary), acquired psychiatric disorder (secondary)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 10, 2017
- Citation
- 1726169
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 1726169.
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 Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him permanently bedridden or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. He is not substantially confined to his house due to service-connected disabilities, nor does he have a single service-connected disability ratable at 100 percent along with other unrelated disabilities that combine to at least 60 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional evidence should be obtained and the claims remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Veteran's residuals of right ankle fracture were granted a rating of 20 percent from May 3, 2011, to May 26, 2016, and April 1, 2017, to October 27, 2019. The appeal is denied for the period from October 28, 2019.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing right ankle disorder was aggravated during service, and therefore service connection is granted for residuals of right ankle fracture (claimed as right foot condition) and traumatic arthropathy.
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.