The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's left and right ankle strains, as well as a TDIU prior to September 19, 2017.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating due to the limited range of motion in both ankles and the lack of significant functional impairment during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ankle strain, Right ankle strain status post-surgery
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 4, 2022
- Citation
- 22000327
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for plantar fasciitis on the right and left foot, left and right ankle strain, left and right knee osteoarthritis, and left and right hip strain, all secondary to service-connected back and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities with weight gain/obesity as an intermediate step.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for right knee strain, left knee strain, and left ankle strain but denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the service-connected injury to flexors (Group VII) of fingers/thumb, an initial compensable rating for recurrent bronchitis, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and readjudicating the cases.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities beginning August 14, 2018, and special monthly compensation at the statutory housebound rate beginning July 23, 2019. Other claims for increased ratings were denied.
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.