Ankle decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ankle and left knee disabilities have been denied throughout the appellate period. The Board found that the severity of the left ankle disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, while the left knee disability was rated as noncompensable.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and residuals of wounds to the left buttocks, left ankle, and left knee as there was no evidence of these conditions during or proximate to the appeal period.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder with PTSD symptoms are rated at a maximum of 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision.,The Veteran's left ankle collateral ligament sprain with DJD is not rated higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus the claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, but denied service connection for right knee and ankle disorders. The appeal regarding the right shoulder disorder is being remanded.,Service connection was granted for a low back disorder due to superimposed injury on a congenital defect of spina bifida occulta.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate previous examinations and to obtain new evidence. The Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome, right ankle surgeries, and left ankle surgeries are being evaluated.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for residuals from a right ankle fracture with torn ligaments, torn left ankle ligament, and coronary artery disease. The underlying claims are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU consideration and his service-connected disabilities prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment.

Service connection for a left ankle disability is denied.,Service connection for glaucoma and residuals of eye injury are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, right ankle and knee disabilities, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and lumbar strain due to the need for additional examinations to assess their current severity.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, tendonitis of the left ankle, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to allow for further development.,The Veteran's representative status is unclear due to multiple changes in representation over time.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's bilateral foot disability and remanded issues related to hemorrhoids, right ankle tarsal tunnel syndrome, and hypertension. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations conducted in January 2020 were inadequate and remanded for further examination. The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, left ankle disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and left foot disorder are all being remanded for additional evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss prior to May 7, 2020 and since that date was denied. The Veteran also had his initial ratings for degenerative joint disease with malunion of the right fibula with old posttraumatic status post change of ankle with ossification of tibiofibula syndesmosis (right ankle) and avulsion fracture of the right ulnar styloid with bone chip were granted.

The Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities were initially rated at 10 percent prior to August 7, 2019. Beginning on that date, the rating was increased to 20 percent for each ankle. The thoracolumbar spine disability was denied a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 7, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various foot and ankle conditions due to inadequate medical opinions, unclear dates of service, and incomplete records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his right ankle DJD, plantar fasciitis in both feet, and bilateral pes planus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right ankle condition, finding that there is no evidence linking his current disability to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for his left ankle disability, cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, and lumbosacral strain from March 3, 2014. Service connection for chronic gastritis and GERD were not established.

The Veteran's increased ratings for left ankle and right knee degenerative joint disease have been denied as his conditions do not warrant a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied increased ratings for the right ankle disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on moderate or marked limitation of motion.