The Veteran's bilateral ankle synovitis is currently rated at 20 percent under DC 5271. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected ankle synovitis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran reported increased severity since the last VA examination, including difficulty arising from a seated position and severely diminished range of motion in both ankles.
- Claimed conditions
- synovitis of the left ankle, synovitis of the right ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 6, 2018
- Citation
- 18108905
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 18108905.
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.
- Granted
The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for synovitis of the right ankle and granted it. The claims for vascular insufficiency and edema in the right lower extremity, back condition, and right knee condition are still pending.,Service connection was denied for vascular insufficiency and edema in the right lower extremity due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, necessitating the grant of SMC at the aid and attendance rate.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of duty periods and a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran has a right ankle disability and whether it is related to service or his left ankle disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected disabilities.
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