The Board granted a separate 20 percent rating for right ankle instability associated with the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability, but denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for the same condition.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed persistent instability throughout the appeal period without any ligamentous tears, requiring use of a prescribed brace. However, the dorsiflexion and plantar flexion measurements did not meet the criteria for a higher 20 percent rating under both old and new versions of Diagnostic Code 5271.
- Claimed conditions
- lateral collateral ligament sprain, right ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 19, 2025
- Citation
- A25044723
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for left hip osteoarthritis and right hip osteoarthritis as secondary to the Veteran's now service-connected knee disabilities, but denied service connection for a variety of other conditions including bilateral ankle, shoulder, foot, mood disorder, tinnitus, hyperlipidemia, and knees.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral foot and ankle conditions to correct a duty to assist error, requiring medical opinions on their relationship to the Veteran's service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for a right ankle disability to obtain an addendum opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, left knee, low back, right ankle, and right knee disabilities secondary to bilateral pes planus due to a need for additional medical opinions.
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