The Veteran's right ankle ORIF with broken screw removal and thoracolumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease are granted on an aggravation basis. The left ankle disability is remanded for further examination.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the current right ankle disability was related to the aggravation by service of a pre-existing right ankle disability, and the back strain with degenerative disc disease is presumed to be related to service due to continuous worsening symptoms since service. The left ankle disability is remanded for further examination.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Ankle ORIF with broken screw removal, Thoracolumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease, Left ankle disability (secondary to right ankle)
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 13, 2019
- Citation
- 19171195
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 19171195.
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.
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The Veteran's PTSD and thoracolumbar spine disability have been granted service connection, with a 10 percent rating initially assigned for each condition. The Board has determined that the current ratings are appropriate.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine arthritis is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service connected due to his fear of hostile military activity during his Vietnam service.
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