Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board denied service connection for a left ankle condition and bilateral foot calluses, finding that there was no evidence of chronic conditions during or after service.,The Veteran's current symptoms do not meet the criteria for direct service connection as they are not linked to his active duty.

The deciding factor: Service records show treatment for a left ankle sprain in January 1976, but no subsequent complaints of left ankle issues. The VA examiner found that there is no evidence of chronic left ankle condition post-service and the current diagnosis is attributed to aging.,The Veteran's bilateral foot calluses were noted during service (July 1976) and treated with insoles at that time. Current examination shows different locations for the calluses, suggesting they are not related to service.

Claimed conditions
left ankle degenerative arthritis, bilateral foot calluses
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
April 16, 2021
Citation
21022504

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 21022504.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.