Ankle decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating at any time from February 22, 2014.

The Veteran's hypertension, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy associated with DDD of the lumbar spine, and bilateral knee arthritis have been granted service connection. Service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability and bilateral ankle disability has not been established.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to unclear nature and etiology of the claimed disabilities, including whether they are diseases or injuries incurred during periods of Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA) or Inactive Duty Training (INACDUTRA).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or a service-connected condition. The VA examiner's opinion was given significant weight in determining that any current right ankle disability is not causally related to service.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, a mental disorder, and various musculoskeletal conditions. However, these claims have been denied as there is no evidence to support the presence or causation of any of these conditions during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The left inguinal hernia hydrocele and orchiopexy, left inguinal hernia scar, right hip disorder, left ankle disorder, right knee disorder, RUE CTS, and LUE CTS have all been denied.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left ankle disability, effective December 21, 2009.

The Veteran's request for a rating in excess of 10 percent for ulcerative colitis is denied. The application to reopen the claim of service connection for a left ankle disorder and skin disorder (likely pyoderma gangrenosum) is granted, but further examination and opinion are needed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral ankle conditions, finding that there is no evidence linking his current disabilities to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for residuals of meningitis, chronic headaches, low back disability, sciatica of the lower extremities, and left ankle disability due to in-service injuries. The issues are being remanded for further development including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating and TDIU was denied. The left ankle ligament disability is rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for proper range of motion assessments.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of right ankle, lower back, right hip, right knee, and left ankle conditions due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left ankle disabilities due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, back disability, bilateral knee disability, and left ankle disability. The initial ratings for these conditions are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and tinnitus, finding the evidence at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to active service.,Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss and left ankle disabilities due to lack of evidence showing current disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, right ankle disability, and sleep apnea have been remanded. The claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches has also been remanded.

The Board granted a 20 percent disability evaluation for left and right ankle post-traumatic arthritis with old fractures of talus from December 16, 2011. The evaluations were denied in excess of the 20 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, neck, left knee, right knee, and right ankle disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury and a left ankle disorder, but finds that there is no evidence to support these claims. The Veteran's assertions are not supported by medical evidence.