Ankle decisions — 2019

The appeal seeking an initial rating greater than 10 percent for tinnitus is dismissed.,The appeals seeking increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss are dismissed.,New and material evidence having been received, the application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right ankle disorder is granted. The appeal seeking service connection for this condition is remanded.,New and material evidence has not been received, the application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a lower back disorder is denied. The appeal seeking service connection for this condition is remanded.,Service connection for a left ankle disorder is denied. The appeal seeking service connection for this condition is remanded.,Service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, including hammer toes, hallux valgus, and degenerative arthritis, is denied. The appeal seeking service connection for this condition is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of right ankle sprain, left elbow disability (olecranon spurs), cervical spine disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The cases are all remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, TBI, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,For the period on appeal, the Veteran’s right wrist tendonitis and left wrist tendonitis have not resulted in functional limitations that warrant a higher rating than the currently assigned 10 percent ratings.

The Veteran's appeal for a non-initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his right ankle disorder is being remanded due to the need for further examination and testing.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence of left ankle strain, right knee degenerative joint disease, chronic ingrown toenail of the great toe of the right foot, and gingivitis. The Veteran's flat feet are already service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for posterior tibial tendon insufficiency, right ankle is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left ankle disability, which is claimed as secondary to his service-connected right ankle tendonitis. The case will be reviewed by an orthopedist for a definitive opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus due to lack of evidence showing a current disability. The left ankle disability claim is remanded as there are questions about its pre-service status and whether it was aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to obtain medical records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's left ankle pain and back pain are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to clarify the etiology of the Veteran's left foot and ankle disorder, specifically addressing his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's low back, cervical, bilateral hip, and bilateral ankle disorders are granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and bilateral knee degenerative joint disease. His left brachial plexus disorder is also granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical disorder. Chronic pain syndrome is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical and left brachial plexus disorders. A 50 percent rating for bilateral pes planus from September 8, 2018 is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted an increased rating to 70%, and she is also granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, left shoulder disorder, back disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, and headaches.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle, right ankle, left Achilles tendinitis, and right Achilles tendinitis have been denied. The claim for service connection for low back condition has also been denied.,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not show a current diagnosis or link to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The low back disability claim is remanded as it depends on the outcome of the left ankle disability claim, which also needs a new VA examination. Right ear hearing loss requires a new VA examination to assess its relation to service. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim also needs a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for nervousness and hand tremors was denied as the condition is related to a non-service-connected condition (Klinefelter syndrome). The Veteran's bilateral flat feet were granted a 10 percent rating prior to December 19, 2014, but denied any higher ratings thereafter. Separate 10 percent ratings for status post left and right foot bunionectomy were also denied.

The Board denied service connection for right knee disorder, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder as well as residuals of head trauma. The evidence did not establish the presence of current disabilities separate from the Veteran's service-connected gout.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain is rated at a compensable (10%) level, as it creates functional loss that warrants this rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for right index finger condition, plantar fasciitis, bilateral ankle condition, and tinea pedis are remanded.