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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1816569.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
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.