The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left ankle strain with tendonitis and instability, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran was found to have no marked limitation of motion of his left ankle even during flare-ups, which is required for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5271. Additionally, there was no evidence supporting an increased evaluation based on other diagnostic codes or functional loss due to pain and weakness.
- Claimed conditions
- left ankle strain with tendonitis and instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 11, 2025
- Citation
- A25022451
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
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