The Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities have been rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 20 percent each, based on marked limitation of motion. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant higher ratings.,The Veteran's left hamstring tear has not yet had a rating assigned due to lack of definitive information regarding abduction loss beyond 10 degrees. The case is being remanded for further examination and evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s right and left ankle disabilities have already been rated at the maximum schedular evaluation based on marked limitation of motion, which cannot be increased without evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant higher ratings.,There is insufficient information regarding abduction loss beyond 10 degrees for the left hamstring tear to determine a proper rating. Further examination and evaluation are needed.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the right ankle, Degenerative changes of the left ankle, Left hamstring tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20013130
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 20013130.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for degenerative changes of the left ankle, effective June 29, 2019. The issues regarding increased ratings and TDIU were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a VA medical opinion due to insufficient evidence and conflicting diagnoses.
- Denied
The Veteran's left hamstring tear has not resulted in limitation of abduction with motion lost beyond 10 degrees, and therefore a higher rating is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the right ankle and TDIU claims for additional development. The Veteran's request to pursue appeal of the lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy claims is not considered as those issues are not before the Board.
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