The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating higher than 20 percent for his left ankle disability, effective June 19, 2007, and higher than 30 percent, effective February 1, 2012, was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s left ankle disability did not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, effective June 19, 2007; or higher than 30 percent, effective February 1, 2012.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show ankylosis of the left ankle at any point during the appeal period. The Veteran's disability was rated based on limitation of motion and ankylosis under Diagnostic Codes 5271 and 5270, respectively.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Ankle Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- April 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19125698
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various disabilities and denied higher ratings for several service-connected conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the criteria.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a left ankle disability, an earlier effective date of May 24, 2021, and a 10 percent rating for GERD.
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