The Board has granted service connection for a left lower extremity disability, to include RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy), finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim. The Veteran's left ankle injury during service is considered the inciting event leading to her current RSD.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's RSD was less likely caused by her in-service ankle sprain, given the significant time gap between the two events and the lack of medical evidence supporting a direct link.
- Claimed conditions
- left lower extremity disability, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 27, 2016
- Citation
- 1641677
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 1641677.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral lower extremity disabilities due to insufficient medical evidence of record. A new VA examination is required for these claims.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the service connection claims for an acquired psychiatric disability, PTSD, left lower extremity disability, and right lower extremity disability due to a procedural error in providing notice of the Veteran's right to a hearing before the AOJ.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's Parkinson's disease and related conditions have necessitated a higher level of care, including hospitalization and skilled home health care. The Board has granted SMC at the (r)(2) rate based on this need.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection regarding bilateral hearing loss and a left lower extremity disability has been dismissed due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of the appeal.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.