Ankle decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left leg condition, finding that there was no credible evidence to support his description of an in-service injury and subsequent treatment. The preponderance of the evidence indicated that the current disability did not stem from the claimed in-service event.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, left ankle, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records from his previous residence in Florida.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning and lack of adequate statement of reasons or bases for finding that the Veteran's right leg disability, currently rated under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, DC 5271-5262, precludes a separate disability rating for his right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral shoulder, elbow, hand, knee, and ankle disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset in service or relationship to a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current disabilities are related to service, and for further development of his rheumatoid arthritis claim.

The Board has denied service connection for various joint conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis of the neck, right shoulder, left shoulder, right elbow, left elbow, right index finger, right ankle, and left ankle. The decision is based on insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between these conditions and service.

The Board has denied service connection for PTSD, right ankle disability, and lumbar spine disability. Service connection was granted for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral ankle disorder due to inadequate opinions from VA examiners regarding the Veteran's statements of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck, bilateral elbow, bilateral wrist, bilateral knee, bilateral ankle, and bilateral foot disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to meet McLendon v. Nicholson criteria.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of claim. SMC at the housebound rate is granted beginning February 27, 2020.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities not precluding him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his in-service fall and its impact on his current disabilities.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities as there is no evidence of ankylosis, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the cases due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives and the need for additional evidence. The Veteran's left ankle disability may have preexisted his active duty service, but a VA examination is needed to determine if it was aggravated during that time. For the left knee disability, a new VA examination is required as the Board relied on an inadequate one in its decision.

The Veteran's right great toe arthritis, left foot disorder (including left foot hammertoe deformity, contracture deformity of the metatarsal phalangeal joint, hallux limitus, capsulitis of the metatarsal phalangeal joint, and post-traumatic plantar fasciitis), and left ankle arthritis have been granted service connection.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss prior to January 2, 2019 was denied a compensable initial rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examinations and inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran needs new evaluations for her left knee and left ankle disorders.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service.,Service connection is granted for hypertension, as it was diagnosed within one year of separation from service and presumed related to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of obstructive sleep apnea and bilateral ankle disorders, as they may be related to his service-connected PTSD and lumbosacral sprain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient examination reports and failure to address his contentions regarding chronic pain. The claims are now pending for further development.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected TBI, depressive disorder, headaches, and tinnitus. Other service connection claims are either denied or remanded.