The Board denied service connection for depression, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left ankle arthritis status postsurgery with retained screws secondary to a fracture (left ankle disability), and a compensable rating for a left ankle scar. The appeal was also remanded for further consideration of service connection for a disability manifested by stomach pain and low back disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's depression, left ankle disability, and left ankle scar were not shown to be related to his military service based on the evidence of record, which included medical examinations and opinions. The claims for service connection for a disability manifested by stomach pain and low back disability were remanded for further development.
- Claimed conditions
- depression, left ankle arthritis status postsurgery with retained screws secondary to a fracture (left ankle disability), left ankle scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 10, 2024
- Citation
- A24065247
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to ensure a proper examination and etiology opinion are provided.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including back pain, knee and wrist joint pains, neck pain, anxiety, depression, as further development is needed to properly adjudicate these claims.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for generalized anxiety disorder and denied service connection for a lower back disorder. The claims for depression, substance abuse disorder, and a compensable initial rating for bilateral hearing loss were dismissed.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for depression, PTSD, and an anxiety disorder due to the lack of a current diagnosis.
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.