Ankle decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been partially granted, with some issues being granted while others were denied. The effective dates for the grants of service connection are not specified.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right leg disorder other than right lower extremity radiculopathy, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder due to lack of current diagnosis. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disability, finding that the evidence does not show it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right ankle disability, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or causal connection to service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left ankle fracture prior to April 19, 2019 was denied. After this date, he received an increased rating of 20 percent effective the day of the VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations and obtain adequate medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection of left foot and left ankle disabilities. The case will be remanded for further examination and review of medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle and headache disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the service connection claims for right knee, left knee, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities due to insufficient examination records. The Veteran's service includes parachute jumps which may be relevant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and insufficient rationale. The Veteran is seeking service connection for right foot, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities that she contends are secondary to her service-connected left foot plantar fasciitis with heel spur.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection and increased ratings. The Veteran's gout, right wrist disability, obstructive sleep apnea, knee and ankle degenerative joint diseases, and residuals of ganglion cyst removal are all remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle disability, high blood pressure, rib fractures, lung injury, facial scar, and PTSD due to a finding of willful misconduct in causing an automobile accident while under the influence of alcohol.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including a low back condition, left leg condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, right and left ankle post-traumatic DJD and strain, left knee post-traumatic DJD and strain, and LSS with post-traumatic DJD, OA, scoliosis and partial sacralization of L5 have been granted. The Veteran is assigned a 10% evaluation for his service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including cervical spine, shoulder/arm, hand, hip, knee/leg, ankle, and foot disabilities. The issues are related to undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness.

The Veteran's tinnitus and diabetes mellitus claims have been granted. The remaining issues, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD and depression), hypertension, sleep apnea syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and left ankle disorder, are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for TBI, right knee with arthritic changes, right ankle disability with arthritic changes, fractured right foot 1st and 4th toes with arthritis, back disability to include fractures and arthritis, and neck disability to include fractures and arthritis.,The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of TBI or any other condition related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence to corroborate the Veteran's statements of an in-service injury during parachuting, and a need for additional documentation such as unit histories and specific findings regarding parachute training.

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings and service connection has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions such as cervical spine disability, fibromyalgia, bilateral knee and hip disabilities, sleep apnea, headaches, and digestive disorders. The reasons for these remands include insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the claimed conditions and the Veteran's military service.,The issues of service connection are being addressed due to a lack of sufficient evidence or reasoning provided by VA examiners in previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, back, right knee, left knee, right ankle, and left ankle disorders due to an in-service fall. The Veteran asserts that these conditions are related to his military service.