The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right ankle osteoarthritis and lumbosacral spine DDD with IVDS are denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed moderate to marked limitation of motion in both ankles, but no ankylosis or other significant impairment that would warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Ankle Osteoarthritis, Lumbosacral Spine Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) with degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 22, 2023
- Citation
- 23052810
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 23052810.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of aid and attendance, as he requires assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, medication management, and housekeeping/laundry due to his TBI, PTSD, OSA, headaches, lumbar spine disability, arthritis, and severe chronic back pain. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the right ankle disability from January 5, 2012 to December 9, 2019, finding that the Veteran's symptoms of swelling and severe painful limitation of motion, including during weight-bearing, approximated marked limitation of motion.
- Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's current right ankle disability was not present during service or within one year of discharge, and is not shown to be causally related to his active military service.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current knee, ankle and toe disabilities are not related to his service-connected right thigh gunshot wound. The VA examiner concluded that the osteoarthritis is more likely due to his age, obesity and occupational history.
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