The veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating may be warranted based on his symptoms and limitations. The issues of service connection for cervical and thoracic spine disabilities are also pending.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations have shown marked limited motion of dorsiflexion to 15 degrees and plantar flexion to 35 degrees with moderate functional loss secondary to pain, lack of endurance, weakness, and incoordination. The veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 5271.
- Claimed conditions
- left ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 17, 2004
- Citation
- 0430461
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 0430461.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The claims are being remanded to determine the current severity of the Veteran's left and right ankle disabilities, including after his December 2017 surgery. The case will be returned for further review.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities, specifically right and left ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease, have been granted increased ratings. Additionally, a temporary total rating for convalescence after left ankle stabilization surgery from March 28, 2014 to June 2, 2014 has been granted, along with an effective date of March 28, 2014 for the Veteran's left ankle scar.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is found to be the primary cause of his residuals of left femur fracture and left ankle sprain. The issues regarding rating for degenerative joint disease of the left knee, limitation of flexion of the left knee, and left ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease are remanded for further evaluation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated VA medical records and a new VA examination to assess his current symptoms and severity of service-connected bilateral ankle conditions.
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