Ankle decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the cases due to a request for information about the competency of the December 2019 VA examiners.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for sciatica, subluxation of the ribs, bilateral elbow disability, bilateral wrist/hand disability, bilateral ankle disability, pelvic disorder, residuals of an abdominal muscle injury, varicose veins (bilateral lower extremity), dizzy spells, balance impairment with assistive device, and difficulty swallowing has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal of service connection for a bilateral hip disability secondary to cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine disabilities is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his exposure to Agent Orange and related health effects. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a toxicology report from an environmental toxicologist specializing in herbicides, Agent Orange, and other related chemicals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is attributable to his in-service injury, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to substantially comply with a previous remand directive. The Veteran contends that his left ankle disorder is related to service, and he provided testimony of continuous pain since service. An addendum VA opinion is needed to determine if there is at least a 50% probability that the current left ankle disorder is related to service or secondary to another service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA, but remanded the issues of hypertension, skin disorder, muscle and joint pain, and eye disability due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral ankle disability, prostate disorders, colon cysts, and thyroid cancer due to new evidence received since the last denial. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for postoperative surgical scars and an increased evaluation for postoperative residuals are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's right knee disability ratings have been remanded.

The Board has found that further development of the record is necessary for proper adjudication of these claims, including obtaining treatment records and arranging for an orthopedic examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right ankle, left hand, and right hand disabilities.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability and a left ankle disability, finding that there is no evidence of chronicity or causation in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected bilateral pes planus, cold weather injury of bilateral toes, and hallux valgus. The RO is also instructed to obtain any outstanding treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various foot, ankle, hip, knee, and lumbar spine disorders due to incomplete examination findings and lack of addressing certain contentions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his left ankle scars, corneal scarring, and TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims regarding his right knee, right ankle, left ankle, and right foot disabilities. The case will be remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted, and the left ankle condition service connection claim was denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for back, left ankle, and right ankle disorders, as well as an increased rating for the service-connected left shoulder partial rotator cuff tear. The Veteran will need to undergo further VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases for readjudication due to new evidence added by VA, and the Veteran was not given an opportunity to waive initial RO consideration.

The Board denied an increase in the rating for the right ankle disability, finding that the evidence did not show marked limitation of motion to warrant a higher rating.