Ankle decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Veteran's residuals of prostate cancer are rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 7528.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from June 22, 2016 to June 5, 2019 due to his service-connected disabilities. The issue of TDIU subsequent to June 5, 2019 is dismissed as moot.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle condition and remanded the issues of service connection for tinnitus and acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression).

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disorder, but the issues of service connection for neck and shoulder disorders are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board denied service connection for back, left ankle, right ankle, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left ankle, thoracic spine, right foot, headache, chest and sleep disturbance disabilities have been reopened. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims.,However, the claims are being remanded as further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of each disability.

The Board has restored the Veteran's right ankle sprain rating from 20 percent to 20 percent effective November 1, 2016. The reduction was improper due to inadequate VA examinations and the disability had been rated for more than five years.

The Veteran's claims for left foot metatarsalgia, right foot metatarsalgia, left great toe hallux rigidus, and right ankle sprain are denied.,No effective date prior to November 5, 2007 is granted for the grant of service connection for left foot metatarsalgia.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The osteochondral defect of the right ankle is rated at its maximum schedular rating, while the degenerative changes of the lumbar spine are not entitled to higher ratings under either the General Rating Formula or the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's right ankle disability, effective prior to March 8, 2013, and denied any higher ratings thereafter. The decision is based on the findings of moderate to marked limitation of motion during different periods.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, left varicocele, right varicocele, neuropathy of the lower and upper extremities, and knee disorders. The decision also noted that a right ankle disorder was not shown.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability. The claims for left knee and bilateral ankle disabilities are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected right ankle degenerative joint disease, sprain and weakness, and for entitlement to a TDIU. The claims are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations conducted in June 2018 and October 2020.

The Board is remanding the case to provide proper notice and allow the Veteran to submit additional evidence for his claim of reopening a previously denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability, including as secondary to a bilateral ankle condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected myofascial pain syndrome with lateral laxity, left and right ankles due to inadequate VA examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder arthritis, right ankle condition, and left ankle condition due to deficiencies in the VA examination opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle condition is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right ankle disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence. The claims will be reviewed again with additional development.

The Board has granted reopening of service connection for erectile dysfunction and remanded the issues of service connection for tinnitus and left ankle strain. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the RO for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for further evidence. The right and left ankle disabilities are currently rated at 20% each, while the left knee scar remains at 0%. Further examination or evidence is required.