The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for right ankle sprain residuals and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome due to inadequate VA examinations in previous remands. The case is being returned to the RO for further action.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations were found to be insufficient, lacking proper range of motion measurements and addressing functional loss during flare-ups and repetitive use.
- Claimed conditions
- right ankle sprain residuals, left knee retropatellar pain syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 16, 2020
- Citation
- 20073422
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's request to revise the July 2006 rating decision that continued a noncompensable evaluation for bilateral knee retropatellar pain syndrome, finding no clear and unmistakable error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as it is inextricably intertwined with the remanded right and left knee increased rating claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected right ankle sprain residuals to afford the Veteran a VA examination and obtain a medical opinion regarding the severity of his condition, including any ameliorative effects of medication.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for right ankle sprain residuals, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.