The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his mood disorder associated with degenerative arthritis of the right ankle was denied. A rating of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right ankle is granted.
The deciding factor: The severity, frequency, and duration of the Veteran's symptoms did not more closely approximate total occupational and social impairment, but they approximated a 70 percent rating due to moderate limitation of motion in his ankle.
- Claimed conditions
- Mood Disorder, Degenerative Arthritis of Right Ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2024
- Citation
- A24084715
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 A24084715.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the criteria.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, and mood disorder.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected mental health disorder has resulted in total occupational and social impairment for the entire period prior to November 9, 2021.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, with obsessive compulsive disorder, dissociative identity disorder, bipolar disorder and chronic depression was denied. The Board found that the disability picture did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of 70 percent prior to June 2, 2020.
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.