Ankle decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his right ankle degenerative arthritis status post chronic recurrent ankle sprains is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left ankle sprain, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for entitlement to service connection for sexually transmitted disease without prejudice. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for right and left ankle conditions due to a failure to comply with instructions in the Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMR). The Veteran's claim must be remanded to obtain an addendum opinion that complies with the December 2017 remand directives, including considering all lay assertions. A new VA examination is also required to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral ankle conditions.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the previously denied claim for lower jaw disability was denied. The claims of depression, bilateral ankle disability, low back disability, and left foot disability were granted.,New evidence received after the last final denial did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to reopen the claim for lower jaw disability.

The Board has remanded the cases due to an inadequate medical examination, requiring a new opinion on whether the Veteran's left ankle and lumbar spine disabilities are proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal for VR&E benefits was remanded due to changes in her employment status and the need for a functional capacity evaluation. The case will be reviewed after these additional evaluations are completed.

The Board has dismissed all the appeals for increased ratings as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's left ankle DJD, finding that moderate limitation of motion warranted this rating.

The Veteran's dysmenorrhea was granted service connection as it began in service.,Service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability is denied because the Veteran does not meet VA criteria for such a disability.

The petition to reopen the claim for service connection for a left ankle condition is granted. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the claims for tinnitus and flat feet are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability is service-connected, as it began during active duty and continues to cause functional impairment.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is remanded for further evaluation and examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions were dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle condition may be related to his National Guard service, but further verification of his service status and medical opinion are needed.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been withdrawn. The appeal for tinnitus has been remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a head injury and left shoulder disability have been dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for right shoulder, right ankle, and acquired psychiatric disorders (including mood disorder, depression, and PTSD).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than April 2, 2014 for service connection of left ankle disorder, right knee disorders (limitation of extension and flexion), and posttraumatic stress disorder with depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

The Veteran's appeal for a left ankle disability is dismissed, and the right ankle condition issue is remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis, finding that his service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.