Ankle decisions — 2020

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including fractures of the wrists and ankles, a foot disorder, hypertension, lacerations to fingers and palms, and a skin condition. The decision states that there is no current evidence of these conditions during the appeal period.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective from May 17, 2016, based on the combined impact of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendering him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's temporary total disability rating for convalescence following an arthroscopy with excision and drilling of an osteochondral defect of the right ankle on December 4, 2014 is denied because it was not related to his service-connected right foot status post excision of accessory navicular.

The Veteran's claim for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment is remanded due to conflicting medical records regarding the presence of left foot drop, which could affect eligibility. Additional VA evaluations are needed to clarify this issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture with arthritis and edema of the right foot, finding that there was no evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of his left ankle, right and left knee disabilities as well as a rating in excess of 20 percent for his low back disability due to potential secondary etiologies. The appeals are now pending with the AOJ.

The Board found that the reduction of disability ratings for lumbar myalgias and left ankle disability from 40% to 20% effective August 1, 2018 was proper based on sustained improvement in symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to outstanding treatment records from a United States Army health care center, as well as the need for VA examinations for his right knee disability and skin condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to privacy request issues and missing VA medical records from 1990 to 1997. The claims for bilateral knee pain, lumbar spine spondylosis and degenerative disc disease, and an earlier effective date are also being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hip disability, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right thumb disability, left ankle disability, or bilateral foot disability (plantar fasciitis) related to his service-connected knee disabilities. The claims are being REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an eye disability (glaucoma), a left ankle disability, a vestibular disorder, and a heart disability are all granted. The case is remanded for additional examinations to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as service-connected due to an undiagnosed illness. The left foot and ankle disabilities are denied as not incurred in active service.

The Veteran's disability rating for residuals of a cerebral vascular accident is denied as his impairment does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His right foot/ankle disability and cognitive impairments are rated separately.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the need for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The Board denied service connection for right and left toe disorders, as well as increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the knees. The appeal was also remanded for further review on several other issues.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected left ear hearing loss. The Board will then consider whether an initial compensable rating should be granted.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for initial increased ratings for cervical spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities as well as the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, the Board has determined that additional development is needed before a determination can be made regarding whether service connection should be granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an extension of a temporary total evaluation and increased rating for PTSD has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of representation by his attorney.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting evidence regarding the current diagnosis of PTSD and other psychiatric conditions. Service connection for a right ankle disorder is denied, while service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) remains on appeal.