The Veteran's initial evaluation for left foot neuropathy is denied as it does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.,An initial compensable evaluation for non-painful residual scars of the left lower extremity, right lower leg and foot, and chest is denied. The Veteran already has a rating for painful scars on his right lower leg and foot and left foot.,The Veteran's initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for painful residual scars of the left lower extremity and right lower leg and foot is denied. There are no indications that he meets the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 7804.,An evaluation in excess of 20 percent for posttraumatic arthritis of the right ankle is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of VA benefits.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as the Veteran's left foot neuropathy does not meet the criteria for severe or complete paralysis.,There are no indications that the non-painful scars warrant an increased rating, given their current classification and the fact that he is already compensated for painful ones.,The Veteran’s painful scars do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7804 as there are no indications of more than 5 or more scars with underlying tissue damage.,The right ankle arthritis meets the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent due to marked limited motion, but not ankylosis.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"Left foot neuropathy"}, {"condition_name":"Non-painful residual scars of the left lower extremity, right lower leg and foot, and chest"}, {"condition_name":"Painful residual scars of the left lower extremity and right lower leg and foot"}, {"condition_name":"Posttraumatic arthritis of the right ankle"}

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 19, 2019

Citation

19195555

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 19195555.