The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The right and left 11th cranial nerves, right and left ankle disabilities, and thoracic strain with degenerative arthritis are all rated at the maximum allowed under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate more than moderate limitation of motion in either ankle or incomplete severe paralysis of the 11th cranial nerve. The Veteran's conditions were rated based on their current manifestations, without considering aggravation by his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Incomplete paralysis of the right 11th cranial nerve, Incomplete paralysis of the left 11th cranial nerve, Right ankle sprain, Left ankle sprain, Thoracic strain with degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20025744
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 20025744.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for urinary incontinence and left ankle sprain, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to her military service.
- Granted
The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's right ankle sprain with pain and limitations in mobility, finding that his symptoms are functionally equivalent to ankylosis. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating as there is no evidence of actual ankylosis or ankylosis equivalent.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the appellant's right ankle sprain is related to an injury sustained during service and grants the claim for service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee tendinitis, left ankle sprain, and a right ankle pain disability have been granted. The claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is dismissed due to the absence of a decision on the issue.
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