The Veteran's left and right ankle disorders have been rated as 10 percent disabling prior to June 12, 2019, and a 20 percent rating has been granted for the right ankle disorder from that date. The bilateral pes planus was initially assigned noncompensable ratings until June 12, 2019, when it was increased to 10 percent.,The Veteran seeks higher ratings for his left and right ankle disorders, as well as an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his bilateral pes planus. The case is being remanded due to the need for further development.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's ankle conditions warrant ratings higher than those currently assigned prior to June 12, 2019, and there are insufficient objective findings to support a rating in excess of 10 percent for his bilateral pes planus.
- Claimed conditions
- Left ankle disorder, Right ankle disorder, Bilateral pes planus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20049044
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 20049044.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral pes planus is not service-connected due to a duty-to-assist error, and remands the case for further examination and opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for SMC(o) was denied as he could not receive multiple awards of SMC(l). The right shoulder bicipital tendonitis rating was denied, and the TDIU claim was granted.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus preexisted service and was aggravated by service, warranting a grant of service connection.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's right ankle disorder, finding that it was not shown to be related to his active duty service and did not meet the criteria for secondary service connection due to his left ankle disability.
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