Ankle decisions — 2020

The Veteran's increased rating for bilateral hearing loss appeal has been withdrawn.,Service connection is granted for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, left knee arthritis, and right shoulder degenerative joint disease. Service connection is also remanded for left ankle arthritis and a bilateral foot condition.,Service connection is granted for left knee arthritis.,Service connection is granted for right shoulder degenerative joint disease.,Service connection is granted for left ankle arthritis.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and to determine whether his right and left ankle disabilities are related to service, including as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The claims for increased ratings and service connection will be remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The right ankle, bilateral knee, GERD, hypertension, sinus condition, and loss of sense of smell issues are all under review.

The Board has remanded the claims for right hand arthritis with history of fifth metacarpal fracture, left ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to insufficient information.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to an inadequate VA medical examination and a need for additional records and opinions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on her service-connected bilateral lower extremity disability, pes planus, and ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations. Her claims for service connection for asthma, restless leg syndrome, and depression remain pending.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder, scar from surgery, cervical spine degenerative spondylosis, headaches, and bilateral shoulder disorders are all granted service connection.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the right ankle disorder and scar is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the inextricability of TDIU with other claims, and referred it for extraschedular consideration. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a torn right quadriceps tendon and bilateral ankle disabilities, are contributing factors to his unemployability.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and right knee disability are denied, but the Veteran receives a higher rating for left knee instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examinations and failure to consider all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD has been reopened, and the Board grants this appeal. The issues of service connection for right ankle condition, right knee condition, left knee condition, back condition, sleep apnea, and numbness in both arms and the chest are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a fractured right ankle was granted, with a disability rating of 20 percent effective from the date of the decision. The lumbosacral strain with spondylolisthesis claim remains pending.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for left knee degenerative joint disease with medial meniscus tear was granted, and he is now receiving the maximum schedular rating. The Veteran also received increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis and TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and evaluation of his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that there are no clear errors in the previous decisions.

The Board has granted service connection for right ankle degenerative joint disease (DJD) as it is considered a direct result of an injury sustained during active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of back disability associated with right ankle deltoid ligament strain and osteochondritis dissecans to include osteochondral fracture due to insufficient examination addressing aggravation.

The Board has remanded the claims for tinnitus, sleep apnea, and left ankle disability due to missing service records and incomplete medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation due to inconsistencies and errors in the previous VA examination reports, particularly regarding the presence of radiculopathy.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected right ankle injury due to insufficient evidence from a previous VA examination. The Veteran needs to undergo another examination to determine the current severity of his disability.