Ankle decisions — 2020

The Veteran's tension headaches were not rated higher than noncompensable prior to January 2, 2014. From January 2, 2014, to July 19, 2017, the Veteran was granted a 30 percent evaluation for her tension headaches. Since then, she has been granted a 50 percent evaluation.,The Veteran's bilateral rib disorder and left knee disorder are remanded as there is insufficient evidence of record.

The Board dismissed all claims for earlier effective dates prior to November 23, 1999 as the Veteran died during the appeal process.,No service connection was granted or denied in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is dismissed. The case is remanded for further action on the right ankle strain issue.

The Veteran's left and right ankle disabilities were granted a 20% disability rating prior to September 11, 2014.,From September 11, 2014 onwards, the Veteran's left and right ankle disabilities continue to warrant a 20% disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to her service-connected disabilities, finding that she is not so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and assistance from another person.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck, back, left shoulder, and bilateral ankle disorders due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives. The claims will be addressed after obtaining proper medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand three issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The left patellofemoral pain syndrome and talar osteochondritis of the left ankle are being remanded for additional examination and opinion, while the right ankle disability is being remanded for an etiology opinion.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and other disabilities. The Board cannot make a fully-informed decision on these issues because no VA examiner has provided an opinion regarding the etiology of his sleep apnea or whether it is related to any service-connected disability. Additionally, he needs to provide a statement from his brother regarding his sleep apnea claim.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records should be obtained as they may contain relevant information about his SSA disability claim. The Veteran also needs to provide a statement from his brother regarding his sleep apnea claim.,VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Specifically, VA treatment records from August 2017 to November 2017 reflect that the Veteran was in the process of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, there is no SSA decision or medical records upon which an SSA determination was based. Therefore, on remand, all records pertaining to any SSA disability claim should be obtained as they are potentially relevant to these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a low back disorder and entitlement to TDIU prior to July 29, 2013 due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's left ankle disorder is alleged to be related to his low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the cases due to failed attempts in scheduling VA examinations for right ankle strain and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals on service connection claims for COPD, a right wrist condition, bilateral ankle condition, heart condition, and cervical and thoracic spine disability due to his withdrawal of these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of a VA examination and insufficient evidence. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his right ankle and foot disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and right hip disorder. The claims are inextricably intertwined as any decision on one claim may affect the other.

The Board denied service connection for right hip, leg, and ankle disabilities as the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs to provide a VA-Form 21-8940 and undergo an addendum examination.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder strain and dismissed the remaining service connection claims due to lack of jurisdiction. The Veteran's right shoulder strain is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for left knee and right ankle disabilities, finding that the preexisting conditions did not worsen during service beyond their natural progression.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss in the right ear. The other issues have been remanded due to incomplete or insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for a right ankle achilles tendon rupture and service connection for a left hip disorder, which he contends is secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his right ankle symptoms and the need for a VA medical opinion on whether his current right ankle disorder is related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his knee and ankle disabilities due to new evidence submitted since the last rating decision.