The Board found that the Veteran's current left and right ankle disabilities did not manifest in service or within one year of discharge, and the only competent opinions to address their etiology weighed against the claims. The diagnoses are considered new and separate conditions unrelated to his service.
The deciding factor: Competent medical evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current ankle disabilities were incurred during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ankle fusion, Right ankle fusion
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 22, 2017
- Citation
- 1734424
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 1734424.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's right ankle fusion and carpal tunnel syndrome of both wrists. The Veteran is seeking initial compensable ratings for these conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disorder, diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's left ankle fusion with left calf atrophy is rated as 40 percent disabling, the highest rating available under VA regulations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the residuals of a left ankle fusion meet the criteria for a 30 percent rating.
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