The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right wrist and ankle disabilities, finding that they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The case is remanded to obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for an examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right ankle disability.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence did not show ankylosis, which would be required for a higher rating under any diagnostic code applicable to wrist or ankle disabilities. The Veteran's symptoms were rated based on limitation of motion and functional impairment, with no indication of ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Right wrist sprain, Right ankle sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 7, 2018
- Citation
- 18133095
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 18133095.
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 granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right wrist disability, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and no current disability related to her active duty service.
- Denied
The Veteran's right and left wrist disabilities have been rated at 10 percent each, effective April 18, 2024. The Board found that the current ratings are appropriate based on the evidence showing no ankylosis or other conditions warranting higher ratings.
- Granted
The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's right ankle sprain with pain and limitations in mobility, finding that his symptoms are functionally equivalent to ankylosis. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating as there is no evidence of actual ankylosis or ankylosis equivalent.
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