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Denied

The Veteran's requests for increased ratings for his ankle and thoracolumbar spine disabilities were denied. The left and right ankle disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, while the thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent prior to October 27, 2016, and 40 percent effective June 1, 2017.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not support higher ratings for any of the disabilities due to lack of marked limitation of motion or ankylosis.

Claimed conditions
Residuals of fracture and chronic left ankle sprains, Residuals of fracture and chronic right ankle sprains, Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) status/post spinal fusion and laminectomy surgeries
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
10%
Decision date
January 9, 2026
Citation
A26002284

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 A26002284.

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