Ankle decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine, right hip, upper back, knees, and ankles disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.,Service records did not show any complaints or diagnoses related to the claimed knee and ankle issues. The Veteran's separation examination found no current medical problems.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder condition, a left ankle condition, and a right ankle condition is granted.,The Board has remanded these issues due to insufficient evidence to determine if the current conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was denied. The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right ankle sprain was also denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims related to hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as for service connection for various disabilities. The Veteran will be provided another opportunity to obtain private medical records and participate in a VA audiological examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations. The appeals will be reconsidered after obtaining all necessary medical records and conducting further evaluations.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions, including arthritis of multiple joints and PTSD. The issues of service connection for respiratory problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, generalized joint pain, and insomnia have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left ankle disability and vertigo due to conflicting evidence and inadequate examination reports. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to determine if her disabilities are related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and left ankle disorder, finding no causal relationship to active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and ankle disabilities, as well as bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims are being returned to obtain VA medical records and a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a total rating based on individual unemployability were denied. The claim for an increased rating for posttraumatic stress disorder was granted effective December 18, 2017.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted. Service connection for bilateral wrist disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral hand disability, and right foot disability are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, sleep apnea (to include as secondary to PTSD), and dry eyes have been REMANDED due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The issues of entitlement to service connection are related to his military service or service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete records and potential need for additional examinations or opinions.

The reduction of the evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability from 30 percent to 10 percent was improper, and the 30 percent rating is restored. The claim of entitlement to a higher rating for the left ankle disability remains remanded.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for shoulder and ankle disabilities, as well as his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder. Specifically, new VA examinations are required to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and granted initial ratings for various conditions, including left shoulder DJD, left knee DJD, right knee DJD, bilateral plantar fasciitis, left and right ankle DJD, and hiatal hernia with GERD. The claim of service connection for a left elbow disorder was dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has denied service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, as well as bilateral shin splints. The case is being remanded to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the Veteran's current shin splint disability.

The Board dismissed the claims of service connection for left hip, right ankle, and left ankle disorders. The claim for a higher rating for back disability was also dismissed. Service connection for bilateral foot disorder is granted but remanded for further examination. Right knee and right hip disorders are also remanded.