The Veteran's right ankle disability and bilateral bunions are remanded for further evaluation. The left foot disability is also remanded, with the possibility of service connection based on secondary to a service-connected condition.
The deciding factor: The VA Disability Benefits Questionnaire examination findings were contradictory, requiring a new examination to determine the current level of severity of the right ankle disability and whether any bilateral bunions are related to her service-connected right ankle fracture.
- Claimed conditions
- right ankle disability (residuals, fracture right distal fibula with persistent right shin pain, lower leg), bilateral bunions (residual, broken right external malleolus, broken toe pain), left foot disability
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 22, 2023
- Citation
- 23010840
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23010840.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, but his service-connected persistent depressive disorder alone rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted SMC at the housebound rate.
- Granted
The Veteran's left foot disability and anxiety disorder render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his physical limitations and cognitive impairments, which require assistance from another person.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple disabilities, including neck, back, left foot, left knee, right knee, right foot, and right shoulder disabilities. The Board found insufficient evidence to support presumptive or secondary service connection.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, left knee, right foot, left foot, and right ankle disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during or are otherwise related to his military service.
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