The Veteran's right ankle condition, including OA and residuals of a fracture and tendonitis, is now rated at 30 percent. The claim for TDIU remains denied as the evidence does not support his inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the Veteran’s right ankle disability warranted a higher rating based on its severity but found no evidence of unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Osteoarthritis (OA) of the right ankle, Degenerative joint disease of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 15, 2019
- Citation
- 19178480
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development to ensure that the severity of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is accurately assessed without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's degenerative spondylosis at L5-S1, left and right shoulder disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and depressive disorder.
- Remanded (sent back)
The issues on appeal are remanded for further clarification of a December 2022 VA knee and lower leg conditions examination.
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