Ankle decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for restless leg syndrome was dismissed because he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board decision. The right ankle condition issue is now pending and will be remanded.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection of a bilateral ankle disability and anxiety and depression due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various injuries and conditions due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of her chronic postoperative right ankle sprain is granted. The case was remanded due to the need for additional examinations, and the Veteran now receives a 20% disability rating for this condition. Her claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current left ankle disability and his in-service injury. The VA must obtain treatment records, schedule a VA examination, and provide an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's current left ankle condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg disability, including as secondary to his left ankle strain. The case is being returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and left ankle disability due to incomplete records retrieval.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his right knee disorder and right ankle fracture due to inadequate opinions regarding aggravation of his preexisting conditions.

The Board has found that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are service-connected, but his low back disability and left ankle disability have not been established as such. The claims for low back and left ankle disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for his left shoulder strain, right ankle disability, and right ankle scar. Additionally, the Board has also remanded a claim for a single 10 percent rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and denied service connection for neck, left knee, right knee, left shoulder, right shoulder, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's epididymitis is rated at 10% and his right ankle disability is rated at 20%. The claims for left knee disorder and low back disorder, both secondary to service-connected right knee and ankle disabilities, are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for a Statement of the Case and further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle arthritis but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and an insufficient VA medical opinion. The AOJ is required to obtain all outstanding service treatment records, including the Veteran's March 2010 separation examination, and provide a new addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of his bilateral ankle disability.

The Board has granted a higher 10 percent initial rating for the Veteran's right ankle degenerative arthritis, effective July 21, 2015. The disability is rated based on limitation of motion under DC 5271.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and lack of evidence addressing her lay statements regarding continuity of symptoms since separation. The cases are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and clarification, including service connection claims for various disabilities. The appeals are currently pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right ankle sprain is denied as the condition has been characterized by moderate limited motion of the ankle, warranting only a 10% rating.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his right ring finger condition is denied as the current noncompensable rating adequately reflects the functional limitations and pain associated with this disability. The claims for increased ratings are remanded due to new evidence.