The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected left ankle and left shoulder disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current functional limitations.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the Veteran’s left ankle motion is within normal limits with no significant limitation of function, while his left shoulder motion is also within normal limits but with some pain during weight-bearing and repetitive use. The criteria for a higher evaluation are not met as the range of motion does not meet the thresholds required by the current rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, Left shoulder degenerative joint disease with impingement syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 7, 2022
- Citation
- 22012752
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 22012752.
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 Veteran's seizure disorder is granted as service-connected. The remaining issues of increased ratings for ankle and lumbar spine conditions, as well as sleep-wake disorders are remanded.
- Dismissed
The propriety of the reduction of ratings for right ankle strain and left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain from 10% to noncompensable effective April 1, 2025 is dismissed.,The propriety of the reduction of a rating for right knee osteoarthritis status post meniscectomy with residual pain from 20% to noncompensable effective April 1, 2025 is dismissed. The AOJ restored the 20% rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's GERD is related to in-service acid reflux, nausea, and GI symptoms. The left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain may be secondary to the service-connected left knee disability. Service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to a duty to assist error.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service.
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.