Ankle decisions — 2020

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right ankle fractures need more information and are sending them back to get additional medical records.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his right and left ankle disabilities were denied. The Board found that the current assigned ratings of 20 percent for the right ankle and 10 percent for the left ankle are appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examination findings and the need for further evaluation of the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and right ankle sprain disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. These conditions are found to be related to military service or hazardous noise exposure.,Service connection is granted as the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's ankle and wrist disabilities have been granted initial evaluations of 20 percent for the left ankle, right ankle, left wrist, and right wrist. The need for regular aid and attendance has also been established.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the submission of new medical evidence since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC). The issues include service connection for various foot, ankle, back, wrist, skin, and shoulder conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic pain syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and right ankle disorder. Service connection was granted for left upper extremity radiculopathy with an effective date of February 20, 2010. The Veteran's blood disorder claim is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral wrist, right ankle, and right foot conditions, finding that there is at least a 50% likelihood these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for right knee disorder, low back disorder, and left ankle disorder due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were aggravated by service or related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for a medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities are caused or aggravated by his service-connected right foot disability.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the granting of these conditions in a previous rating decision. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has found that the RO did not substantially comply with its remand directives and has ordered an additional VA examination for both right ankle condition service connection and left ankle injury increased rating issues.

The Veteran's initial rating for a left ankle disability prior to January 30, 2017 is denied as the evidence does not support an increased rating beyond 10 percent. For the period from August 1, 2017 onwards, his disability remains rated at 20 percent due to marked limited motion of the ankle.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical opinions and evidence. The TDIU claim is also being reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral shin splints, bilateral knee disability, right ankle disability, bilateral pes planus, and a skin disability due to additional development.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, and his left rotator cuff strain is rated at 20 percent. Both conditions are denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran seeks increased ratings for his left ankle sprain and left rotator cuff strain. The VA has determined that these claims have been denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spondylosis is rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The other issues are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and right ankle disabilities due to a duty-to-assist error in prior VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Type II diabetes mellitus and its complications, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder, left shoulder, right hip, and bilateral ankle disabilities. The Board found that there was not sufficient evidence to support a finding that these conditions began during or were otherwise related to his military service.