The Veteran's right ankle sprain with instability is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination as his condition may have worsened since the last evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran presented sworn testimony at a hearing alleging that his ankle disability has worsened, and there are no recent treatment records in the file.
- Claimed conditions
- right ankle sprain with instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20033287
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 20033287.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the right ankle sprain with instability has been withdrawn, and thus the case is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of TMJ, as well as examinations for left sided sciatica, lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, right ankle sprain with instability, sinusitis, status post lumbar spine scar, and spermatocele, status post vasectomy. The claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and examination.
- Granted
The Board granted a disability rating of 20 percent for the service-connected right ankle sprain with instability, finding that it has manifested marked limited motion. The Veteran is not entitled to any higher rating as there is no evidence of ankylosis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities are remanded for further evaluation, including a new examination to determine the current level of severity. The case is also referred to the Director of VA Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating due to employment impact.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.