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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1734424.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's left ankle fusion with left calf atrophy is rated as 40 percent disabling, the highest rating available under VA regulations.
- 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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