The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right and left ankle conditions were denied. The RO granted a 10% rating for the left ankle prior to June 17, 2010, and a 20% rating thereafter. A 20% rating was also granted for the right ankle from February 14, 2012, to June 13, 2016. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating on or after June 13, 2016, was denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran’s right and left ankle conditions did not meet the criteria for ratings in excess of 20% based on their current functional limitations and lack of ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Achilles tendon repair, Left ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 12, 2019
- Citation
- 19170945
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 19170945.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right Achilles tendon repair, right ankle instability, and right ankle scar have been denied. The current rating of 20 percent for the right Achilles tendon repair is maintained.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for an initial compensable rating for a left ankle scar is dismissed. The restoration of the 20 percent disability rating for left ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease, effective June 1, 2018, is granted. The issue of a higher rating for the left ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease is remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected right Achilles tendon repair and associated scars have been granted initial compensable ratings, with the scar disabilities receiving separate evaluations.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's residuals of right Achilles tendon repair, effective from June 27, 2011.
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