Overview
Chronic ankle instability often follows one or more ankle sprains that did not heal fully. Ligament laxity can lead to repeated giving way, pain, and later degenerative change in the joint.
Common symptoms
- Repeated ankle sprains or 'giving way'
- Persistent swelling or pain
- Difficulty on uneven ground
- Reduced range of motion
What the specialist reviews
- Service treatment records and in-service injury or complaint documentation
- Post-service medical records, imaging, and treatment history
- Prior VA examinations and DBQs, if available
- Relevant peer-reviewed medical literature
About the opinion
A nexus opinion addresses whether, in the physician's medical judgment, it is at least as likely as not that a condition is related to service or to another service-connected condition. The opinion is based solely on the evidence — it may or may not support a claim, and the VA makes all final decisions.
Not affiliated with the VA. We are a private, independent medical practice. Our opinions reflect the physician's honest medical judgment based on the evidence and favorable outcomes are never guaranteed. The VA makes all decisions on disability claims.
Free help is available. VA-accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs), such as those with national veterans organizations and state or county veteran offices, can help you file and manage a claim at no cost. You do not need to pay for a private medical opinion to file a claim.