The Veteran seeks service connection for ankylosis of the right ankle, which she claims was caused by a fall resulting from her service-connected right knee disabilities. The Board finds that the current examination and opinion are inadequate and requires a new VA medical opinion to address whether the ankle disorder is proximately due or aggravated by the knee disabilities.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not provide an opinion addressing the Veteran's contention that her current right ankle disorder has been proximately caused or aggravated (beyond a natural progression) by the service-connected right knee disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- ankylosis of the right ankle
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2015
- Citation
- 1521277
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1521277.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of the right foot and ankle, finding that no effective function remains other than what would be equally well served by amputation below the knee with a suitable prosthetic appliance. The decision is based on evidence from VA treating podiatrists who assessed the severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to outstanding records and the need for further development, including obtaining SSA records and private treatment records.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings on several conditions, including a foot disorder, lumbar disc disease, right ankle condition, right shoulder acromioclavicular separation with impingement syndrome, left lower shin disability, and headaches. The appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to failure to comply with its March 2016 remand directive and provide an adequate VA examination. The Veteran's TDIU claim is being referred for extraschedular consideration prior to July 22, 2014.
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