Ankle decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right ankle and right foot disorders have been reopened due to new and material evidence. The appeals are now remanded for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's current right ankle disorder is being reviewed, and it needs further clarification on whether her left ankle plantaris tendon graft residuals contributed to her fall.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a spine disability, increased ratings for right knee and left ankle disabilities, and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated VA examinations and private treatment records as needed.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected left ankle sprain and radiculopathy have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation at any point during the appeal period.

The claim to reopen the service connection for a left ankle disability is remanded due to insufficient VA examination and new evidence. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms are considered, but a private provider's opinion on etiology is needed.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, and left ankle condition have been granted. The other claims remain denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the claims of entitlement to a compensable disability rating for left ear hearing loss, service connection for a lumbar spine disability, service connection for a right ankle disability and service connection for a right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to insufficient evidence, specifically regarding his lumbar spine disability, left ankle degenerative arthritis, right ankle degenerative arthritis, and potential neurologic abnormalities. The case is also remanded to obtain SSA records related to the Veteran’s application for benefits.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of a higher rating due to limited motion.,The Veteran's residuals of fracture of the right radial head are currently rated as noncompensable. The VA examiner found no functional impairment and normal range of motion.,For status post right fibular fracture, the Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent from September 15, 2014 onwards. Prior to this date, the Veteran's disability was considered asymptomatic. After September 15, 2014, the VA examiner found moderate limited motion of the ankle.,The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spur is rated at 10 percent from May 11, 2015 to September 12, 2016. After this date, the disability is rated higher than 50 percent.,Hypertension is not service-connected and thus no rating is assigned.,Left ankle scars associated with status post left ankle open reduction internal fixation surgery are currently rated as noncompensable.,Surgical scar status post open reduction internal fixation right fibula fracture is also rated as noncompensable.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, right ankle, and left ankle conditions due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that caused these conditions.,Service connection was also denied for depression as there is no competent medical evidence linking this condition to service.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was granted effective February 15, 2005. A separate 10 percent rating for right ankle instability is granted. Service connection for a back disability is granted.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection, earlier effective dates, and TDIU/Dependent’s Educational Assistance eligibility must be remanded due to non-compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical examinations. The issues include left shoulder, left ankle, and eye disabilities.

The Board has determined that more information is needed to fully evaluate the Veteran's claims for service connection of his left ankle, low back, and left knee disabilities. The VA will need to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the onset and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that a more thorough examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's left ankle condition, as there are indications of worsening since his last VA examination in May 2018. The Veteran presented for treatment at Fort Bliss with significant tenderness and limited range of motion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and lack of medical opinion on secondary service connection.

The Veteran's inguinal hernia was not rated compensably prior to November 14, 2014. A rating of at least 10% is granted for the hernia as of that date. The claims for residuals of right ankle fracture, left knee disability, left hip disability, and right knee disability are remanded due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to support his claims. The issues of service connection remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of his right ankle disability, particularly during periods of flare-ups. Additional VA examination and treatment records are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability is granted a 20% rating, effective July 2015. The appeal for earlier effective dates for the left and right knee disabilities is denied.