The Veteran's right and left ankle DJD have been granted increased disability ratings of 20 percent each, effective June 18, 2015.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations provided evidence that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximated marked limitation of motion in both ankles, warranting a 20 percent rating under DCs 5003-5271.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ankle degenerative joint disease (DJD), Left ankle degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 11, 2023
- Citation
- 23055633
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 23055633.
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 Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right ankle DJD prior to November 2, 2012 was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including a right hip disability, right ankle DJD, back disability, and psychiatric disability. The issues of increased ratings for knees are also being remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected residuals of a left tibia and fibula fracture with left ankle DJD was denied. The claim for TDIU due to the service-connected disability was also denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating in the earlier period (October 20, 1995 to July 30, 1996) for his lower back disability and denied service connection for left ankle DJD prior to March 7, 1996.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.