The Veteran's initial rating for chronic left ankle strain with degenerative changes has been granted at a 10 percent level since May 6, 2014. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating during any part of the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s ankle disability was rated based on limitation of motion under Diagnostic Code 5271, which requires moderate limitation of motion for a 10 percent evaluation. The VA examinations showed no marked limitation of motion and full range of motion with pain noted at both the April 2009 and May 2014 evaluations.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Left Ankle Strain, Degenerative Changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 19, 2018
- Citation
- 1816569
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 1816569.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new examination of his right knee disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied, and the case is remanded due to the need for updated VA examination. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded as his employment history needs clarification.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right ankle strain with degenerative changes did not result in dorsiflexion of less than 15 degrees or plantar flexion of less than 30 degrees, nor did it cause incapacitating exacerbations. As a result, his claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent was denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's right ankle strain due to degenerative changes with calcaneal spur is now rated at 20 percent effective September 2, 2021. His left knee osteoarthritis with instability has been granted a separate 10 percent rating from September 2, 2021.
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