The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's left ankle disability and a separate 10 percent rating for left ankle instability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support granting higher ratings based on the criteria provided by the VA Rating Schedule, as the Veteran was already receiving the maximum schedular rating for her left ankle disability due to limitation of motion. The Board also found no evidence of ankylosis or moderate instability warranting a separate 10 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Ankle Disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 19, 2019
- Citation
- 19130810
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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