Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's request for a higher rating for his right ankle disability prior to June 11, 2012 was denied. From June 11, 2012 onwards, he is rated at 20 percent for the disability. A separate 10 percent rating for a painful scar from the April 2018 surgery was granted.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's right ankle disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5262 or 5271, and his claim for ankylosis of the ankle joint was denied. A separate rating for a painful scar from the April 2018 surgery was granted based on its nature.

Claimed conditions
Right Ankle Laxity due to Sprain
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
30%
Decision date
September 17, 2019
Citation
19171646

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 19171646.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.