The Veteran's right ankle disability is granted a 20% rating. Tinnitus and GERD remain at their current 10% ratings. The Veteran's right elbow and left elbow disabilities are denied higher ratings based on limitation of forearm flexion or pronation. The Veteran's shin splints and foot conditions do not warrant compensable ratings. Effective dates for service connection and increased ratings have been established.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's right ankle disability meets the criteria for a 20% rating under DC 5271, as evidenced by limited dorsiflexion to less than 5 degrees during flare-ups. Tinnitus is rated at its maximum schedular evaluation of 10%. GERD symptoms are not productive of considerable or severe impairment of health, warranting no higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ankle disability, Tinnitus, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Right elbow disability based on limitation of forearm flexion, Left elbow disability based on limitation of forearm flexion, Left foot disability (residuals of neuroma removal), Right lower extremity shin splints, Left lower extremity shin splints, Sinusitis, Allergic rhinitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 14, 2023
- Citation
- 23015259
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 23015259.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for PTSD and dismissed his appeals regarding increased ratings for tinnitus and a right hand disability due to lack of timely filing of Notice of Disagreement.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including GAD, MDD, bruxism, migraines/headaches, tinnitus, hip pain, iliotibial band syndrome, and leg stress fractures. The evidence does not support current diagnoses of these conditions during the appeal period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
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