The Veteran's initial and increased rating claims for right ankle disorders have been granted, with the highest available ratings. The left hip disorder and left knee disorder claims are remanded.,Additional VA examinations and records are needed to address the left hip disorder and left knee disorder claims.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's initial and increased rating claims for right ankle disorders have been granted, with the highest available ratings. The left hip disorder and left knee disorder claims require additional evidence or examination as they do not appear to be service-connected.,Further evaluation is needed to determine if the Veteran's left hip and left knee conditions are related to his military service.

Claimed conditions

{"condition_name":"distal right fibula fracture with ankle instability and scar","issues_on_appeal":["entitlement to an initial rating of 20 percent, but no greater, for the service-connected distal right fibula fracture with ankle instability and scar","entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for the service-connected distal right fibula fracture with ankle instability and scar"],"service_connection_theory":"direct","exposure_basis":null,"is_pact_act":false,"rating_assigned":20,"effective_date":null}, {"condition_name":"right lower extremity distal sural neuropathy","issues_on_appeal":["entitlement to an initial rating of 20 percent, but no greater, for the service-connected right lower extremity distal sural neuropathy","entitlement to a rating of 30 percent, but no greater, for the service-connected right lower extremity distal sural neuropathy"],"service_connection_theory":"direct","exposure_basis":null,"is_pact_act":false,"rating_assigned":20,"effective_date":null}, {"condition_name":"left hip disorder","issues_on_appeal":["entitlement to service connection for a left hip disorder"],"service_connection_theory":"unknown","exposure_basis":null,"is_pact_act":false,"rating_assigned":null,"effective_date":null}, {"condition_name":"left knee disorder","issues_on_appeal":["entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder, to include as secondary to a service-connected disability"],"service_connection_theory":"unknown","exposure_basis":null,"is_pact_act":false,"rating_assigned":null,"effective_date":null}

How they argued it

Not specified

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

April 12, 2019

Citation

19128511