The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a retrospective medical opinion regarding his right ankle disability. The issues of entitlement to an increased evaluation for service-connected residuals of a right ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease and scars, status post ankle fusion surgery, and entitlement to a total evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) prior to March 15, 2014, are now before the AOJ for further consideration.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the August 2020 remand directives regarding obtaining retrospective medical opinions have not been substantially completed and thus another remand is necessary.
- Claimed conditions
- right ankle sprain, degenerative joint disease, scars, status post ankle fusion surgery
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21030603
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 21030603.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ankle disability, finding that it had its onset during service and is related to service. The decision was made after considering both lay and medical evidence.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as there was no unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA-scheduled aid and attendance/housebound examination to determine eligibility for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities. The examiner must address specific questions regarding the Veteran's ability to perform daily activities, including dressing, feeding, attending to personal hygiene, protection from environmental hazards, and confinement.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left ankle disabilities are related to repetitive parachute jumps during service, granting service connection for these conditions.
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