The Board denied service connection for right ankle arthritis and left ankle shin splints, finding no evidence of a nexus to service. The claims for bilateral knee disabilities, low back disability, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to inadequate examination findings.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not provide an adequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current right ankle arthritis or left ankle shin splints, as well as his bilateral knee disabilities, low back disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The claims must be remanded for further evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ankle arthritis, Left ankle shin splints
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 26, 2018
- Citation
- 18114048
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 18114048.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right ankle disability, which includes arthritis and tendonitis, is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 40 percent for the entire appeal period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to issues with the rating assigned for right ankle instability and arthritis. The Veteran's symptoms have been found to significantly impact his ability to use his ankle, requiring a brace and cane.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for single episode major depressive disorder with anxious distress, somatic symptom disorder, and alcohol use disorder; right ankle arthritis; and bilateral plantar fasciitis and a right foot heel spur. The claims for recurrent hip disabilities, a rating in excess of 20 percent for left knee anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament repair residuals, and TDIU were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection and increased rating due to deficiencies in the VA examinations.
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