The Board denied an increased initial evaluation for service-connected chronic left ankle strain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to June 26, 2017, and as of June 26, 2017, there was no evidence of ankylosis or marked limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show sufficient limitation of motion or other symptoms that would warrant a higher evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic left ankle strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 5, 2020
- Citation
- 20031504
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20031504.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examination reports and failure to address possible evidence of left knee instability.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both arms and legs, finding that his conditions did not meet the criteria for SMC(k), SMC(l), or any other applicable rating.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's left ankle disability is characterized by moderate limitation of motion during the appeal period, and he has had a 10 percent rating for the entire appeals period. The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected chronic left ankle strain.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ankle disorders have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current functional impairment.
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