Ankle decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of a left ankle fracture and remanded the issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for thoracic lumbar strain, right ankle strain, and a right shoulder strain prior to August 24, 2016, and over 20 percent thereafter. The appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran through his authorized representative.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and consideration, including VA examinations and review of new evidence. The issues include service connection for a bilateral ankle condition, an acquired psychiatric disability, and a higher rating for pes planus.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left ankle disorder.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity neuropathy, peroneal nerve due to lack of timely filing of a substantive appeal.,The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for status post fracture of the right ankle as his disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation. The RO was directed to schedule a VA examination, but the Veteran failed to attend and no rescheduling request has been received.,The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities as he did not meet the percentage standards set forth in 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle strain is related to an in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a left ankle disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding these claims.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total disability rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 for convalescence following left ankle surgeries in July 2007, July 2008, and September 2009 was denied because the claim was not filed within one year of the surgeries.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is denied for a right ankle fracture.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, including degenerative disc disease, osteophytosis, and facet hypertrophy, is service-connected as it was caused by his duty specialty of Boatswain Mate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 90 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right elbow, knee, and ankle disabilities due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine if her current conditions are related to her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, liver disorder, and disability manifested by pain in the bilateral ankles, knees, shoulders, low back, and neck due to incomplete development. The kidney disorder claim remains denied.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is denied.,A 20 percent rating for right ankle strain with tenosynovitis is granted.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran’s thoracolumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's chronic lateral collateral ligament sprain of the left ankle is granted service connection, but his residuals of a left leg injury are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right knee osteoarthritis and associated left ankle fracture residuals is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for the Veteran's right ankle scar. The remaining issues of entitlement to increased ratings for limited motion of the right ankle and right foot tarsal tunnel syndrome, as well as TDIU, are REMANDED.

The Board has denied service connection for various disabilities, including back pain, right and left knee issues, left ankle problems, right ankle issues, and hypertension. The Veteran's claims are not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral ankle disorders, bilateral knee disorders, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The claims include headaches, lower back issues, knee problems, and ankle/foot conditions.