The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for right ankle arthralgia status post right ankle surgery was denied. The Board has remanded the case to address the issue of service connection for a left knee disorder.,A VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's left knee strain had its onset during service or is related to an injury during service, and if so, whether it has been aggravated by his right ankle disability.
The deciding factor: The decision was remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the left knee disorder. The VA examiner needs to provide a clear opinion on whether the left knee strain is related to service or aggravated by the right ankle disability.,The reasoning behind the need for an addendum opinion is to clarify the relationship between the Veteran's current left knee condition and his military service, as well as any aggravation of his right ankle disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Right ankle arthralgia status post right ankle surgery, Left knee strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 17, 2022
- Citation
- 22009664
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 22009664.
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 cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Denied
The Veteran's VR&E benefits were denied as she did not have an employment handicap and was found to be employable with her current skills, experience, and education. The appeal must be denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee strains with shin splints due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. A new VA examination is required to assess the severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities, including during flare-ups.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her lumbar spine disability and migraine headaches, have caused her to require regular aid and attendance. SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is granted.
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