The Veteran's initial ratings for right and left ankle disabilities were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied, with the Board finding that none of his service-connected disabilities alone rendered him unemployable.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed no more than moderate limitation of motion in both ankles, which did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under Diagnostic Code 5271. The Veteran's combined disability rating was also considered.,The Board found that none of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone were severe enough to preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ankle strain, Left ankle strain with talonavicular spur
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 11, 2023
- Citation
- 23038108
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 23038108.
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 has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, right ankle strain, and mild right foot retrocalcaneal spur as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the current disabilities.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right ankle strain and remanded the issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right ankle strain. The claim will be returned for further development.
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