The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated VA medical records and a new VA examination to assess his current symptoms and severity of service-connected bilateral ankle conditions.
The deciding factor: The decision notes that updated VA medical records are needed, particularly from December 2014 onwards, as well as any private treatment records. A new VA examination is required to determine the current nature and severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral ankle conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- right ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease, left ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 7, 2018
- Citation
- 18148496
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18148496.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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 claims are being remanded to determine the current severity of the Veteran's left and right ankle disabilities, including after his December 2017 surgery. The case will be returned for further review.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that further development is needed regarding the service connection for lumbar spine degeneration secondary to right ankle injury, and thus the appeal is being remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities, specifically right and left ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease, have been granted increased ratings. Additionally, a temporary total rating for convalescence after left ankle stabilization surgery from March 28, 2014 to June 2, 2014 has been granted, along with an effective date of March 28, 2014 for the Veteran's left ankle scar.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is found to be the primary cause of his residuals of left femur fracture and left ankle sprain. The issues regarding rating for degenerative joint disease of the left knee, limitation of flexion of the left knee, and left ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease are remanded for further evaluation.
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