Ankle decisions — 2020

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal because the grant of service connection for residuals, arthroscopy, right knee, with muscle atrophy of the foot, ankle and calf was severed from his record effective January 26, 2017. As a result, there is no case or controversy left to decide.

The Board has remanded the claims for left ankle disability, left ankle scar, left knee disability, left hip disability, right shoulder disability, and cervical spine disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, IBS, low back disorder, lumbar radiculopathy, left knee strain, and residuals of left ankle fracture, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right and left ankle disorders, as well as his right knee disorder (to include as secondary to an ankle disorder). The decision is based on evidence showing that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for varicose veins, right lower extremity was denied.,The propriety of reducing the disability rating for service-connected residuals of knife wound of the right ankle with limitation of motion from 20 percent to 10 percent effective November 13, 2015, is remanded.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's left ankle degenerative joint disease (DJD) as her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions to address whether his respiratory disorder and right wrist conditions are related to service-connected sarcoidosis or other in-service exposures. The issues of entitlement to service connection for various ankle and foot disabilities have also been remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee, left shoulder, left ankle, and left foot disorders but denied these claims as they are not related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions regarding his right and left ankle disabilities, sleep apnea, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right forearm fracture residuals, left knee disorder, and right ankle disorder. The case is remanded to determine if service connection can be established for these conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, left knee, right knee, and left ankle disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,Service records do not show any treatment or diagnoses related to the claimed disabilities. The Veteran's assertions about his military activities causing his current symptoms have been found insufficient by VA examiners.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle, low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examination and incomplete STRs. The RO is instructed to attempt to obtain missing STRs from all periods of active duty through official sources and potential repositories. They are also asked to provide the Veteran with another opportunity to authorize release of outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left ankle tendonitis was denied. The VA examiner found moderate limitation of motion, with pain on movement and no change after repetitive testing.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is granted as secondary to his cervical spine disability. The Veteran's right hip, knee, and ankle disabilities are all granted with specific ratings.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and due process considerations. The Veteran's claims of service connection for tinea corporis and right ankle disorder are now pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including limb girdle muscular dystrophy and left ankle impairment, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's right knee, migraine headaches, and left ankle disabilities are all being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ankle tendinitis due to an inadequate April 2019 VA medical opinion.

The Board denied service connection for jaw damage, low back disability, right ankle sprain, damaged larynx, varicose veins, TBI, and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD).,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not establish a link between any of these conditions and the Veteran's honorable period of active service.