Ankle decisions — 2020

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a temporary total rating for convalescence following left foot surgery, but the issues of increased rating and service connection for bilateral pes planus and ankle conditions are remanded due to need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's PTSD prevented him from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment prior to February 25, 2019. The Board granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to restore a 10 percent disability rating for post-operative residuals, surgery, repair of ligaments right thumb and granted a 10 percent rating under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities that interfere with normal employability.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left ankle sprain with fracture was denied. For the period from November 24, 2010 to February 5, 2014, he was granted a separate 20 percent rating for right knee meniscus impairment but denied any increase in ratings for other conditions.

The Veteran's hair loss, diagnosed as alopecia, is granted service connection. The left ankle strain and hysterectomy are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a right ankle disability, hemorrhoids, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to incomplete or inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected left hip, right hip, and ankle disabilities have been denied compensable ratings.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction has not been established.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for mild cortical deformity of left medial malleolus, also claimed as left ankle joint pain and left ankle condition is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the October 2016 VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting new examinations to address the Veteran's ankle disabilities and tremors.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting information regarding her period of active duty and reserve status. The veteran is required to provide additional evidence, including personnel records from Camp Lincoln, to verify her service during the specified time frame.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee, left knee, and left ankle conditions. The issues include service connection claims for these conditions, as well as increased ratings for scars and a TDIU prior to November 4, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 2, 2012.

The Board has remanded the cases of left ankle pain, bilateral knee disabilities, and bilateral hearing loss for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history, leading the Board to grant a TDIU as of April 8, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequacy of the VA examination and lack of clarification on exposure claims. The Veteran's bilateral ankle disability is being reviewed again for service connection.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased evaluations for various service-connected disabilities, including degenerative joint disease and irritable colon syndrome. The Veteran's claims are not currently granted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left ankle disability, finding that it is etiologically linked to his active service.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection for bilateral flat foot and evaluations for various disabilities. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the AOJ for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's bilateral foot and ankle gouty arthritis conditions are not productive of incapacitation, severe impairment of health, or severely incapacitating exacerbations.,The Veteran’s bilateral gouty arthritis causes pain but no limitation of joint movement. It has resulted in non-incapacitating episodes involving pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness predominantly affecting the left great toe.

The Board previously denied the Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his right ankle sprain and dislocation, but now remanded it due to inadequate VA medical opinions regarding additional functional impairment during flare-ups or prolonged use.