Ankle decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating for various ankle, hip, and knee conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left ankle sprain and service connection for a lumbar spine disability. The Veteran’s left ankle disability was rated as 10 percent disabling throughout the appeal period, with no higher ratings granted.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection of right ankle, lumbar spine, left elbow, and sleep disorders. The Veteran will be provided with new VA examinations to address his symptoms and diagnoses.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and other issues are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board has remanded the claim due to an inadequate VA examination report, and further action is required.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain and sinusitis, finding that the current conditions are related to service. The Veteran's other claims have been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various lower extremity and back conditions due to inadequate examination findings, failure to consider all relevant medical history, and lack of VA treatment records postdating February 8, 2018.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to inadequate development in previous examinations. The issues include rheumatoid arthritis, right ankle osteoarthritis, and left ankle osteoarthritis.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including obtaining medical records and workers' compensation records. The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is also being remanded for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded two issues: entitlement to an initial compensable rating for service-connected right ankle trimalleolar fracture with arthrodesis and entitlement to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the right foot. The remand includes obtaining updated VA treatment records, requesting authorization for federal Worker's Compensation Program records, and scheduling a new examination.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of extension, and a separate rating of 20 percent for moderate instability has been granted. Both his left and right ankle disabilities are now rated at 20 percent each.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle strain, finding that his current condition is not related to service and is more likely due to post-service use of orthotics.

The Board denied service connection for left and right ankle disorders as there is no current disability at any time during or immediately prior to the claim period.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left and right ankle disorders due to conflicting opinions from a previous VA examiner. The CAVC found that the Board's decision was based on unsubstantiated medical opinion regarding vascular calcification, which is inextricably intertwined with the peripheral arterial insufficiency claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left ankle disability, right ankle disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to inadequate VA examinations. The claim for sleep apnea is also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability and a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left leg, ankle, and foot disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in a loss or loss of use other than an upper extremity, and he is not service-connected for a severe burn injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for left hip disability, gout, and left ankle disability, all secondary to chondromalacia of the knees. The appeal is pending further action.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee, shin, and ankle conditions have been granted. The VA has also determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected disabilities.