Ankle decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left shoulder, cervical spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disorders due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records and undergo VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural errors. The conditions of interest include dental issues, hallux valgus of the feet, pseudofolliculitis barbae, right ankle condition, varicocele condition, low back condition, left knee condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), headache condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board dismissed the appeals of the issues of entitlement to service connection for a left hip disability and an increased rating for a left ankle disability due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these appeals.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to incomplete or inadequate examinations, as well as the need to address new theories of entitlement.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, a right ankle disorder, and a bilateral hip disorder. The Board found that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing conditions, and that the current disorders did not have an onset within one year of discharge from service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance from September 13, 2012, but no earlier. Effective from that date, he is entitled to SMC benefits based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for right hip and left ankle injuries, finding that the evidence did not support a relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service treatment records and outstanding private and VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right ankle disability and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence to support these claims. The decision also noted that an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the period from November 17, 2011 to March 15, 2016, and in excess of 40 percent from March 16, 2016, forward is remanded.

The Veteran's initial 10% rating for right ankle disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The current severity of his right ankle disability needs to be evaluated, including passive motion and pain during range of motion testing.

The Board has restored a 20% rating for the Veteran's residuals of right ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease effective November 17, 2014. The issue of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for hypertension was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's claims for initial and increased ratings for chronic strain of the left ankle are being remanded due to need for additional examination and development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for asthma, left ankle disability, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability and sleep disorder due to lack of a VA examination in relation to these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examination.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral ankle disorders, left hip disorder, and TBI. The Veteran's claims are based on assertions of in-service injuries but the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.,There is no credible evidence linking current ankle or hip disorders to service, with the exception of the right ankle disorder which was noted post-service.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to the Veteran's testimony indicating that his disabilities have worsened, requiring additional medical clarification.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating claim for migraine headaches was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s migraine headaches did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating as they were not prostrating in nature. The claims for service connection of low back, right ankle, and sleep disturbances are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the reduction in the rating for chronic lumbar spine strain, entitlement to a higher rating for posttraumatic ankylosis of the right ankle, and entitlement to a compensable rating for chronic right knee strain.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and arthritis of the ankles, knees, cervical, and thoracolumbar spine as there is no evidence that these conditions are related to active service.