The Veteran's left ankle degenerative joint disease is rated at the maximum disability rating of 20 percent, as there is no evidence of ankylosis. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's left ankle condition does not meet the criteria for ankylosis or any other diagnostic code that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- left ankle degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20001285
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical opinion to address the ameliorative effects of medication on the Veteran's left ankle disability.
- Partly granted
The Board granted ratings for the Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease, meniscectomy with residuals, instability, genu recurvatum, and limitation of extension, but denied a rating in excess of 100 percent for his left knee total knee arthroplasty and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his left ankle degenerative joint disease.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a retrospective opinion regarding the ameliorative effects of medication on the Veteran's left ankle disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to a duty to assist error in the prior VA examination.
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