The Veteran's left ankle disability has been manifested by pain and, at worst, moderate limitation of motion. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.
The deciding factor: The range of motion findings on examination depict the estimated range of motion during a flare-up or after repetitive use over time, with no significant functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigability, or incoordination. The Veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5271 for moderate limitation of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20072227
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 issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left ankle due to an inadequate statement of reasons or bases.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left ankle disability is denied as the evidence does not support an increase in the rating beyond 30 percent prior to July 18, 2019 and since then he has already been assigned the maximum schedular rating authorized under DC 5270.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.
- Denied
The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates, increased ratings, and service connection were denied.
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