The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability is denied as the evidence does not support credible reports of an in-service injury.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spondylosis prior to February 8, 2016; and 20 percent thereafter is denied. The Board finds that his symptoms do not more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spondylosis since February 8, 2016 is denied as there is no evidence of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less; nor has favorable ankylosis been shown.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service treatment records are silent for any left ankle injury. His inconsistent reports and lack of corroborating medical evidence do not support a finding that he incurred such an injury in service.,The objective findings from the November 2013 VA examination do not reflect forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 60 degrees or favorable ankylosis. The Veteran's symptoms are adequately compensated by the current rating.,Since February 8, 2016, there is no evidence of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less; nor has favorable ankylosis been shown.
- Claimed conditions
- Osteoarthritis of the left ankle, Lumbar spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 24, 2018
- Citation
- 18137804
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 18137804.
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