The Veteran's left ankle scar, back condition, and tarsal tunnel syndrome in the left ankle are all granted. The left ankle scar is rated at a compensable level (10%). The back condition is rated at 20% prior to March 16, 2015, and 30% after that date. The tarsal tunnel syndrome in the left ankle is also rated at 10% prior to March 16, 2015, and 30% thereafter.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions were found to meet or approximate the criteria for the assigned ratings based on their severity and impact on daily life.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ankle scar, Lumbar strain (back condition), Tarsal tunnel syndrome in the left ankle (damage to tibial nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 15, 2019
- Citation
- 19103530
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 3,319 · Granted: 25% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19103530.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a psychiatric condition and various musculoskeletal issues, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment during the appeal period.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an earlier effective date for service connection for left ankle scar and entitlement to a compensable rating was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal in May 2018.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and left ankle fracture residuals, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since October 2005. The effective date for the TDIU is set at June 29, 2006.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent prior to August 11, 2020. The Board granted a TDIU effective January 19, 2013.
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