The Board denied increased ratings for a right ankle disability and right ankle scars, finding that the current ratings of 20 percent and 10 percent were appropriate based on the evidence.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to the lack of ankylosis or more severe limitation of motion. For the scars, no medical professional found them to be unstable or larger than 39 square centimeters, and they were rated appropriately under Diagnostic Code 7804.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Ankle Disability, Right Ankle Scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23000843
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, but denied service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, intestinal condition (chronic colitis), and chronic migraine disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the criteria.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, to include as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder, right knee disability, and left ankle disability. The claims for a right ankle and left knee disability were remanded for further development.
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