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 assigned
- 20%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18142120.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.
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