The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left ankle disability is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of marked limitation of motion.,For the period prior to August 23, 2017, the Veteran's low back strain disability warrants a 20 percent rating based on moderate limitation of flexion. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate given the evidence showing at worst forward flexion to 60 degrees with pain.,Since August 23, 2017, the Veteran's low back strain disability does not warrant a higher than 20 percent rating as there is no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting specific criteria.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran has moderate limitation of motion in his left ankle with occasional pain and functional loss, but without marked limitation. The current 10% rating adequately reflects this level of disability.,For the period prior to August 23, 2017, the Veteran's low back strain disability is manifested by forward flexion to 60 degrees with evidence of pain, but no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The current 20% rating adequately reflects this level of disability.,Since August 23, 2017, the Veteran's low back strain disability is manifested by forward flexion to 45 degrees without ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting specific criteria. A higher rating is not warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Ankle Disability, Low Back Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 12, 2021
- Citation
- 21028948
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 21028948.
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: Granted
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- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle and right shoulder disabilities due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The claims will be reviewed again with new medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service connection claims for erectile dysfunction and voiding dysfunction have been denied due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to his in-service exposure.,The remaining service connection claims (for bilateral feet, ankles, hip, wrist, cervical spine, upper extremity radiculopathy, psychiatric disorder, GERD, sleep apnea, and hypertension) are remanded for further development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for GAD is denied as his anxiety symptoms are subsumed under PTSD.,Service connection for Right Shoulder Strain and Left Ankle Disability is denied due to lack of current diagnosis or evidence of functional impairment.
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