Ankle decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease and prior fracture of the left ankle.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right ankle avulsion fracture and thoracolumbar spinal stenosis, as well as his claim for TDIU due to additional development of evidence and issuance of an addendum opinion regarding flare-ups.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims for degenerative arthritis of various joints as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disability and remanded the cases of right shoulder and right ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to allergies, right-hand disability, left-hand disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied higher initial disability ratings for various conditions, including right knee chondromalacia patella, right shoulder disorder, right wrist disorder, left ankle disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, bladder cancer, ulcerative colitis, Bell's palsy, stroke residuals, hair loss, and skin disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right ankle degenerative arthritis, finding that his disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from October 30, 2018 to November 28, 2018. His claim for service connection for a heart disability is remanded and his temporary total rating based on hospital treatment in excess of 21 days for left knee disability is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to inadequate examinations and failure to consider certain VA records.

The Veteran's back condition is granted service connection, and his right lower extremity radiculopathy is also granted as secondary to the back disability. The neck condition is granted service connection on a direct basis. Service connection for left leg, right ankle, and right big toe disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left ankle disability and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The claims are being returned to VA for further development, including examinations.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a right ankle condition was denied in January 2004. New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim, but the issue remains remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the claim for an earlier effective date for hypertension due to lack of appeal. The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and his left ankle disability remains remanded as it does not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The application to reopen the claim of service connection for back disability was denied, and the Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the percentage requirements.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent, effective September 28, 2011. A separate rating of 10 percent for right knee instability is granted. The Veteran's left ankle disability remains at a non-compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, ankle, and foot disorders due to incomplete records from her military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, right ankle, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to a lack of substantial compliance with its October 2019 remand directive. The case is returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral knee disability to include as secondary to his service-connected bilateral ankle disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's lower back disability is granted as service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases for his right elbow disability, right ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, and limitations of flexion and extension. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's service-connected status post ORIF, left ankle, with traumatic arthritis, has been rated at a 30 percent since March 17, 2014.