Ankle decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left ankle disability is being remanded for further evaluation due to the lack of specific measurements and information regarding flare-ups, pain with weight-bearing, and passive motion.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine disorder, bilateral hip and ankle disorders, bilateral foot disorders, vertigo, urticaria, headaches, and TMJ, are remanded due to lack of recent medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to new and material evidence. The appeals are granted in part, with some issues being granted and others not.

The Veteran's right shoulder, ankle, knee, and hip disabilities are granted service connection. The Veteran is also remanded for further examination regarding his hips, ankles, and feet.

All appeals are dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left ankle, left foot, or right foot conditions.,There is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's attorney requested a remand for an examination and opinion regarding the nature, etiology, and current severity of his claimed left knee instability. The examiner should determine if the Veteran exhibits instability of the left knee and whether it is at least as likely as not that any current instability (1) was incurred in service; (2) is part and parcel of the service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease; or (3) is caused or aggravated by any service-connected disability, to include left knee DJD.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee condition, but the issues of rating in excess of 20 percent for right ankle achilles tendonitis with degenerative changes and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service treatment records are incomplete and requests for these records have not been completed. The Veteran is also requested to provide any additional medical records from private providers, including Dr. Baldwin.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because his authorized representative requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim. Therefore, all three issues have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, diabetes mellitus, and gastrointestinal disorders due to exposure at Camp Lejeune were denied. The Board found no current disability of the left ankle, and that diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal disorders are not related to service. Bilateral hearing loss was granted as a result of noise exposure during service.

This decision dismisses the appeal for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction. It grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The appeals for service connection of various conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's RSD of the right foot and ankle is granted at a 40 percent rating effective December 5, 2016. The previous ratings for his ankle fracture and RSD prior to that date remain unchanged.

The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disability, as well as diabetes mellitus and a right hand disability. The Veteran was not found to have current disabilities in these areas.,There is no evidence of record supporting the presence of any of the claimed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to April 30, 2013 and a higher initial rating for his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle disabilities, as well as other issues. The Veteran's left knee and left ankle disabilities are not found to be directly related to her active duty service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of entitlement to service connection for bronchitis, residuals of pneumonia, and lichen planus of the bilateral wrists and ankles due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right shoulder and neck conditions due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.