Ankle decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right ankle scars, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and compensable rating are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including those involving type II diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, diabetic nephropathy, a right ankle condition, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The remand requires additional development such as verifying herbicide exposure, scheduling VA examinations, and obtaining further evidence.

The Board denied service connection for back, right hip, left knee, and left ankle conditions due to lack of evidence of a diagnosed condition prior to 1993.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was granted a 20% rating effective January 30, 2015. The Board found that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether a higher 20 percent rating is warranted for marked limitation of motion.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and opinion regarding service connection for various conditions. The Veteran's left ankle disability, sinus condition, bilateral hearing loss, and gastrointestinal disorder are all under review.

The Veteran's unspecified anxiety disorder and a left ankle disability are related to his service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a cerebrovascular accident has been withdrawn.,Service connection for hypertension is denied as there is no in-service event or continuous symptomatology related to the condition.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied due to lack of evidence showing current disability within VA standards.,The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorder, osteoarthritis impacting multiple joints, and erectile dysfunction are remanded for further evaluation.,Further medical examination is needed to determine if the Veteran’s conditions are related to service or other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is remanded for a VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of his condition. The earlier effective date claim is also remanded due to the lack of an SOC.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding a left ankle disability, and the need for clarification on the continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral ankle disability, finding that there is no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for his left foot, right foot, and right ankle conditions due to inadequate VA examinations. The case is being sent back for further development and new examinations.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is not service-connected.,His erectile dysfunction and chest pain are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, ankle, and foot disabilities due to inadequate consideration of lay statements and buddy statements in the VA examiner's opinions.

Service connection has been granted for lumbar spine disability, bilateral hip disability, and left ankle disability. The right shoulder disability remains under review.,The acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety and depression) is now considered service-connected.

The Board has determined that the AOJ did not substantially comply with its remand directives and has therefore ordered further development for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee, right ankle, and left ankle conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to withdrawal. The Board has remanded several claims including those for lightning strike residuals, numbness in hands and toes, GERD, skin disorder, discoid lupus, cataracts, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right ankle disorder, and PTSD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right ankle sprain and left knee degenerative changes, finding that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation under applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's right ankle disability and bilateral hearing loss claims are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities.,Service connection for a low back disability, respiratory disability, and skin rash (eczema) is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology or pathophysiology of these conditions in relation to service.