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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20065679
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,810 · Granted: 23% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 20065679.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left Achilles tendonitis and residual scars subsequent to left Achilles tendon repair were denied by the Board. The decision is binding only with respect to these specific matters.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to a TDIU and an increased evaluation for left Achilles tendonitis. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered her unable to work during certain periods, but further review is needed.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
Your appeals for service connection and increased rating were not timely filed, so your attempts to appeal have been dismissed.
- Whole decision: 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.
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