The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of stab wound in left lower leg with tibiotalar degenerative changes was denied as the condition has not been manifested by marked ankle disability or nonunion of the tibia and fibula. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to lack of evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's residuals of stab wound in left lower leg with tibiotalar degenerative changes have been rated as 20 percent disabling throughout the relevant rating period, which is not sufficient to meet the schedular requirements for TDIU. The VA and SSA examinations indicated that his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in sedentary work.
- Claimed conditions
- left calf atrophy, residuals of stab wound in left lower leg with tibiotalar degenerative changes, degenerative changes of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint and plantar calcaneal spur of the left foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18142120
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 18142120.
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: Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and dismissed the appeal for compensation for right lower extremity radiculopathy, while remanding the claim for left calf atrophy.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the veteran's claims for increased ratings due to a need for additional development, including VA examinations and clarification of the Veteran's wishes regarding his claims.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The appeal was dismissed for the issue of service connection for left calf atrophy, while readjudication was granted for a left hip condition. Other issues were remanded.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.
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.