The Board has restored the Veteran's 20 percent rating for left ankle impingement syndrome and degenerative arthritis, effective August 31, 2020. However, the claim of a rating in excess of 20 percent for the left ankle disability is remanded due to improper reduction.
The deciding factor: The September 2020 VA examination did not reflect an improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.
- Claimed conditions
- left ankle impingement syndrome, degenerative arthritis (left ankle)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 19, 2024
- Citation
- A24019838
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 A24019838.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a higher rating for left ankle impingement syndrome due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left foot and left ankle disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's back disability, including headaches and fatigue, residuals of TBI, left ankle impingement syndrome, and left foot plantar fasciitis are granted initial ratings. However, the issues related to service connection for these conditions remain pending as they require additional evidence.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including significant mental health and physical conditions, have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial employment. Therefore, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.
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