Ankle decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar arthritis, cervical degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, and right ankle disorder have been denied as the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected right shoulder and right ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral knee disorders, but denied service connection for his left ankle disorder.

The Veteran's request for a higher rating for his right lower leg residuals of a punji stick wound with scar was denied. His claims for service connection for right knee and ankle disorders were also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received, but the issues of right wrist and right hand conditions have been withdrawn by the Veteran. The left ankle condition is being examined further as it may be related to active duty or ACDUTRA/INACDRA.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and increased evaluation due to incomplete records, unclear dates of active duty periods, and need for medical opinions. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for a middle finger of the right hand condition, back dorsal condition, left knee condition, and right ankle condition due to insufficient medical evidence. A VA examination is required.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn due to his satisfaction with the TDIU and the granted rating for hypertension. The claims for service connection, initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for various conditions, and other issues are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various knee, hip, and ankle disabilities due to conflicting medical opinions. The Veteran is also being asked to provide updated treatment records and undergo VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or any other valid theory of entitlement.

The Veteran's ankle and knee disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA treatment records and new examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral ankle, hand, shoulder, and left elbow disabilities due to inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's complaints of widespread joint pain during his service in South West Asia are considered. The AOJ is required to obtain any outstanding VA and private treatment records and issue a SOC on the application to reopen a claim of service connection for a back disability and claims for higher ratings for left knee and right elbow disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for left and right ankle disabilities as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the claims for a respiratory condition, lumbar spine disability, left and right ankle disabilities, bilateral pes planus, left hip disability (secondary to service-connected disability), right knee disability (secondary to service-connected disability), and sleep apnea. These issues will be addressed in further proceedings.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current right ankle disability existed prior to his active duty service and if it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal includes issues related to service connection for a left knee disability and an increased rating for an adjustment disorder. The Board has determined that these issues require further development and are therefore remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral shin splints, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, and hemorrhoids are all granted as service-connected.,However, the Veteran’s left side flank pain, skin tags, initial compensable ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and initial compensable rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome remain pending due to further evaluation being required.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture with arthritis secondary to his service-connected left ankle sprain with arthritis. The decision also remanded several other issues, including an initial rating for left ankle sprain with arthritis and service connection for a left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is not service-connected.,There is no legal entitlement to an earlier effective date for the depressive disorder prior to May 13, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, knee, and ankle disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The VA will request additional medical records and obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.