Ankle decisions — 2020

The Veteran's left ankle strain is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5271 for moderate limited motion of the ankle. The Board found no additional functional loss due to flare-ups or repetitive use over time and denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and prostate cancer, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to December 23, 2018. However, the Board notes that there is no verification of his work history, so further development is needed to determine his employment status.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee, right foot, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities due to a lack of in-service diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's representative did not provide specific arguments.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right ankle condition due to lack of evidence linking his current strain to his in-service injury.,The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for a low back condition, insomnia, and OSA. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disability and for separate ratings for his right and left heel spurs. The claim for higher ratings for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs was also denied.

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

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's right knee condition, including service connection for various secondary conditions and a rating increase. The Veteran is also seeking an earlier effective date for his right knee disability.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully assess and adjudicate the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for residuals of left ankle ligament strains, service connection for a right knee disorder, entitlement to TDIU based upon service-connected disabilities, and entitlement to special monthly compensation. The Veteran will need to undergo updated VA examinations and possibly additional treatment records.

The Board dismissed the claim of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for right ankle degenerative arthritis with tenosynovitis because the Veteran elected to participate in RAMP, which means that jurisdiction no longer exists in the Legacy system.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations. The issues of service connection for various disabilities are now pending.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral syndrome with arthritis and eligibility for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only. The appeal for service connection for a right ankle disability (including fracture residuals) secondary to right knee patellofemoral syndrome with arthritis and sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right ankle and hip disabilities, as well as service connection for a right leg disability. The claims are being returned to VA for further development.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for a low back disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, left ankle disability, bilateral leg disability, bilateral hammertoes, and bilateral hip disability. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's request for an effective date prior to January 30, 2014 for the grant of service connection for left hip scar and left ankle impingement has been granted.,A rating in excess of 70 percent for bipolar disorder is denied. The Veteran also received a TDIU determination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical examinations. The issues include service connection for various conditions, but no specific exposure basis or presumption is mentioned.

The Board has granted service connection for a left shoulder disability and a left ankle disability, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disorders, sleep disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the claimed in-service events or exposures.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease. The issues of service connection for left and right ankle disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for right intercostal rib neuralgia and remanded the claims for service connection for a right ankle disability and left ankle disability. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all outstanding records, schedule VA examinations, and readjudicate the claims.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating due to limitations in range of motion and functional loss.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating due to limitations in range of motion and functional loss.