The Veteran's initial rating for left Achilles tendon rupture from August 8, 2007 to March 6, 2017 is denied. The case is remanded for further evaluation of the left foot surgical scar and left ankle limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 5284 due to lack of 'moderately severe' impairment, as evidenced by functional impairment in running sports and climbing stairs, along with some atrophy and weakness described by the examiner.
- Claimed conditions
- left Achilles tendon rupture, left foot surgical scar, left ankle limitation of motion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20080645
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 appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during its pendency.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an increased disability evaluation for his left ankle Achilles tendon rupture, finding that a higher rating was not warranted given the moderate limitation of motion and lack of additional functional impairment beyond what is already contemplated by the current 10 percent rating.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for both the left and right Achilles tendon conditions, finding no evidence that these conditions began during active service or were related to in-service injuries.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the claims for service connection for a left Achilles tendon rupture and a right ankle injury due to inadequate examinations and medical opinions.
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