Ankle decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and right ankle disabilities are not related to his active service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected left ankle, left hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on functional loss or additional impairment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for generalized anxiety disorder was granted, and the right ankle condition and hip condition claims were denied due to insufficient evidence. The uterine fibroids and endometriosis claims remain denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's low back disability and left ear hearing loss do not meet the criteria for service connection. The right ankle disability is remanded to determine if it is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee condition, lumbar DJD, right ankle osteoarthritis, and left ankle osteoarthritis have been granted as secondary to her bilateral calluses.,Service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder has not been established.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA ankle examination to determine if there is a separate right ankle disability possibly related to service or his service-connected foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a right ankle disability and secondary service connection for a left knee disability as related to the right ankle. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed after additional evidence is obtained.

The Board has remanded the issues of effective dates for service connection due to lack of evidence showing earlier claims. The Veteran's knee and ankle disabilities are rated based on their current manifestations.

The Board has found that remand is warranted for compliance with prior remand directives regarding the Veteran's service-connected ankle disabilities. The Veteran should be afforded an examination to identify all diagnoses affecting his ankles and feet, including whether any non-service-connected diagnoses are associated with his service-connected disorders.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions has been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection for bilateral knees and right ankle, including as secondary to a service-connected left ankle sprain. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain outstanding VA and private treatment records and to schedule appropriate VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims related to PTSD, cervical strain, sleep apnea, degenerative joint disease of the right ankle, and tension headaches. The VA will obtain relevant medical records and schedule the Veteran for examinations to assess his current disability levels.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from January 11, 2008. The Board has remanded the issue of an increased rating for his left ankle disability.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted as service connected. The claims for a left shoulder disability, left knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability are remanded due to incomplete processing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to his severe pain, numbness, and limited mobility.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, left ankle, and low back disorders due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or periods of active duty training.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral ankle disabilities, residuals of a thoracotomy, and sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's residuals of hysterectomy are granted, while her left ankle disability (secondary to service-connected right ankle strain), right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, lumbar strain, major depressive disorder, and migraines remain remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for various disabilities, including those secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle gout. The decision also includes restoration of ratings and adjustments in other disability ratings.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for a hernia with hydrocele was granted. The appeal for other issues were dismissed.,The Board found that new and material evidence had been received, allowing the reopening of the claim for service connection for a hernia with hydrocele.