The Board has denied a higher rating for the Veteran's left ankle fracture disability, finding that it does not meet the criteria for ankylosis. The claim is remanded to consider whether separate ratings should be assigned for any neurological and muscle symptoms.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not adequately discuss the presence or severity of any neurological and muscle injury symptoms related to the Veteran's left ankle disability, which are separate from the service-connected orthopedic residuals.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Ankle Fracture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18111881
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 18111881.
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 Veteran's residuals of a left ankle fracture are rated at 20 percent disabling since May 22, 2014, which is the maximum schedular rating for limited motion of the ankle.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of April 1, 2021.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied in part. The left knee strain is rated at 10% for limitation of extension and flexion, while the left ankle disability (prior to April 10, 2017) remains rated at 10%. However, since April 10, 2017, a rating of 30% has been granted for ankylosis of the left ankle.
- Granted
The Veteran's left ankle fracture disability is granted a 20% rating effective January 13, 2015. The claim for an earlier effective date is denied.
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