Ankle decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded three issues related to secondary service connection for low back disability, left hip disorder, and left ankle disorder all claimed as secondary to the service-connected left knee disability. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for VA to obtain his private treatment records from October 2016 onwards and a VA examination to assess the current severity of his left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability is rated at a 10 percent since December 18, 2014.,A separate effective date of January 19, 2010 for the assignment of a 10 percent rating was granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for asthma, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, headaches, and left knee disorder due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's claims for left and right ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee and right ankle conditions due to insufficient examination reports and lack of nexus opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right and left ankle disabilities due to conflicting evidence regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions. Additional treatment records are needed, and a VA opinion is required.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination reports and incomplete development of stressor allegations. The issues include PTSD, depression, anxiety, bilateral ankle condition, bilateral knee condition, and low back disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, fracture of the left shin, and left ankle injury residuals. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these issues.,The Veteran's tinnitus claim remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's application to reopen the service connection claim for right knee tendonitis is granted. To this extent only, the appeal is granted.,Entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left ankle and entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right ankle are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's left knee disorder is related to his military service and whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected left ankle strain.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of October 31, 2007 for the grant of a TDIU. The issues regarding an increased rating for a right great toe fracture and an earlier effective date remain pending and must be remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various joint disabilities due to incomplete records and inadequate examinations. The Veteran's current conditions are being evaluated, along with his in-service injury from a motor vehicle accident.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left ankle disability, finding that it is related to an injury sustained during Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA).

Your appeals for increased disability ratings have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal through his representative.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a bilateral foot disorder, and disorders affecting his lower extremities due to insufficient opinions provided by VA examiners. The issues are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of ankylosis or marked limitation of motion.,For her pes planus and chronic constipation claims, additional evidence is needed as VA examinations are required.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and effective dates are remanded due to the need for additional medical records.,The Veteran is also required to provide private treatment records from his doctors.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination to determine if any current left leg disability is related to service.

The Board dismissed the appeals of the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.