The Veteran's right ankle condition, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and resultant spinal fusion with radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and right foot drop are all granted. The Veteran is assigned a 20% disability rating for his right ankle condition.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's back pain noted on separation examination was likely a worsening of the original injury prior to enlistment, which aggravated by carrying heavy packs during service.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ankle condition, Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, intervertebral disc syndrome, and resultant spinal fusion with radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, Right foot drop
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 23, 2023
- Citation
- 23052950
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23052950.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected PTSD has prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment throughout the appeal period, leading to a grant of TDIU. The issue of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was withdrawn by the appellant.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for increased special monthly compensation (SMC) was denied as she is not entitled to the higher rate under section 1114(o). The Board found that her service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and right foot drop, are already accounted for in the current SMC rates.
- Granted
The Veteran's right ankle condition is granted a 10 percent disability rating, and his service-connected headaches are granted as secondary to his TBI.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral knee conditions, and bilateral hearing loss due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The Veteran's right ankle condition is granted, but his bilateral pes planus and bilateral knee conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion.
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