The Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for posterior tibial tendonitis, right ankle; hemorrhoids; and rhinitis have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed moderate limitation of motion and slight instability for the right ankle condition, but no marked limitation or ankylosis. For hemorrhoids, there was intermittent small to moderate external hemorrhoids without large or thrombotic hemorrhoids, irreducible tissue, persistent bleeding, secondary anemia, or fissures. For rhinitis, greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passages on both sides due to rhinitis was noted but no polyps were present.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Posterior Tibial Tendonitis, Right Ankle","diagnostic_code":"5271"}, {"condition_name":"Hemorrhoids","diagnostic_code":"7336"}, {"condition_name":"Allergic Rhinitis","diagnostic_code":"6522"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20006039
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
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