Ankle decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and foot disabilities due to a lack of medical evidence on record. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and consideration, including obtaining a line of duty determination, additional VA treatment records, and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's in-service alcohol use.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was restored to a 10 percent rating effective October 1, 2015.,The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected right ankle disability. The case is remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and preparing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability. The right ankle fracture rating remains denied.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for various conditions and a compensable evaluation for erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's claims for venereal disease, left ankle condition, skin condition, and iron deficiency anemia are not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for left foot neuropathy is denied as it does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.,An initial compensable evaluation for non-painful residual scars of the left lower extremity, right lower leg and foot, and chest is denied. The Veteran already has a rating for painful scars on his right lower leg and foot and left foot.,The Veteran's initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for painful residual scars of the left lower extremity and right lower leg and foot is denied. There are no indications that he meets the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 7804.,An evaluation in excess of 20 percent for posttraumatic arthritis of the right ankle is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the payment of VA benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including left shoulder, thumb, foot, ankle and aorta disabilities, as secondary to his service-connected ankylosing spondylitis of the lumbar spine. The issues are related to whether these disabilities are manifestations or complications of his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability, left knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability due to inadequate duty to assist.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for right and left ankle disabilities. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed again with new medical opinions.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, but no higher, due to painful marked limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been granted, but the appeal is only granted to this extent. The remaining issues of service connection for left foot disability, left ankle disability, dermatological condition (actinic keratosis), and thoracolumbar spine disability are remanded.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The remaining issues of service connection for left foot disability, left ankle disability, dermatological condition (actinic keratosis), and thoracolumbar spine disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back, right knee, left knee, and bilateral ankle disorders due to conflicting evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to service. The case is sent back for additional medical opinions from an independent orthopedic or spinal specialist.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but further examination and opinion are needed to address the etiology of his left shoulder disability.,Sleep apnea is a new issue that needs to be addressed as it may or may not be related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to her right knee condition and right ankle disability, as there is insufficient rationale provided in the November 2015 VA opinion.

The Board dismissed the appeals of increased ratings for a service-connected right ankle ligament sprain with arthritis and bilateral hearing loss because the appellant requested to withdraw his/her appeal.

The Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits is remanded due to the need for a complete vocational rehabilitation file and additional evaluations. The Veteran also needs to provide evidence of unsuccessful attempts at employment in his chosen fields.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated as noncompensable, but a higher rating of 10 percent is granted.,The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has remanded the issue for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The other claims of service connection are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for left ankle and right ear hearing loss as withdrawn. The remaining issues of service connection for back, left knee, right ankle, and sleep apnea disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is service connected due to continuity of symptoms since discharge. The remaining issues are remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as scheduling appropriate examinations.