The Veteran's initial rating for left ankle disability was increased to 20 percent, effective November 14, 2011. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence did not support an increase beyond this level.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed marked limitation of motion without ankylosis, which is consistent with a 20% evaluation under DC 5271.
- Claimed conditions
- left Achilles tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20065679
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 claims for an initial increased rating for bilateral foot disabilities, left Achilles tendonitis, and right Achilles tendonitis to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the effects of medications on the severity of these conditions.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's service-connected right and left Achilles tendonitis were granted a rating of 20 percent, but no higher, throughout the appeal period. The claim for special monthly compensation based on the loss of use of both feet was denied.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, low back pain, right Achilles tendonitis, and left Achilles tendonitis as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active duty.
- Partly granted
Service connection for right ear hearing loss, right forearm tendonitis, left forearm tendonitis, and left Achilles tendonitis is granted. A 20 percent evaluation for painful and unstable scars associated with right inguinal hernia is granted, but a compensable evaluation for the hernia itself is denied.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.