Ankle decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected lateral collateral ligament strain of the right ankle with tendonitis, impingement, and instability is remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The initial claim for service connection prior to October 21, 2015 has been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left shoulder conditions, as well as residuals of a right ankle fracture. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.,There is no medical evidence linking any current shoulder or ankle condition to events in service.

The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability is granted. The claims of entitlement to service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease, sleep disturbances, IBS, and left ankle fracture residuals are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied because the evidence did not show that she is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher initial rating for right ankle arthritis and trochanteric bursitis of the right hip due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an effective date prior to November 26, 2014 for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for his service-connected right wrist and right ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's right ankle, left ankle, right foot (Achilles tendinopathy), and left foot (Achilles tendinopathy) disabilities are granted as service connected. The Veteran's hernia, ileus, and acute cholecystitis with sepsis are remanded for further review.

The Board denied service connection for a left ankle disorder and a left foot disorder, finding that the disorders were not incurred in or related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his left ankle disability and consideration of secondary service connection for knee disability. The current 20 percent rating for left ankle disability is being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and restored the Veteran's 40 percent rating for lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritic changes. The appeal regarding the propriety of reducing the 40 percent rating to 20 percent is dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and evaluation due to a lack of recent VA treatment records and an inadequate September 2012 VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and temporary total rating due to right ankle surgery, finding that an opinion is needed regarding whether the Veteran's obesity caused or aggravated his right ankle disorder. The AOJ must obtain all relevant records and provide another opportunity for the appellant to submit evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for initial ratings of 10 percent or more for peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities due to a lack of recent VA examinations and conflicting evidence regarding the severity of the condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ankle disability. The Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injuries, and he has provided credible lay testimony regarding recurrent symptoms since discharge.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened, and the Board finds that further development is needed to determine if his claimed disabilities are related to active service or any other relevant factors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including right wrist, left knee, back, and bilateral ankle disabilities. The Veteran is to be provided with VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is rated at 70 percent, effective August 8, 2013.,A 50 percent rating for migraine headaches is granted, effective August 8, 2013.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues of evaluating intervertebral disc syndrome and ankle disabilities, as well as determining entitlement to TDIU. The Veteran's service-connected back and ankle conditions are being remanded for further examination.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues of evaluating intervertebral disc syndrome and ankle disabilities, as well as determining entitlement to TDIU. The Veteran's service-connected back and ankle conditions are being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's left ankle injury did not meet the criteria for a temporary total disability rating based on convalescence as he did not undergo surgery or have immobilization by cast of a major joint.