Ankle decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disability claims, including a respiratory condition presumed due to Gulf War exposure. The Board has ordered additional examinations and development for several other conditions related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's entitlement to increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knees and right ankle tendonitis is granted from June 3, 2017 to December 15, 2018.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left ankle condition, which is related to his parachute jumps during service.

The Board has dismissed all the Veteran's claims as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to July 16, 2021 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter for a left ankle sprain as well as entitlement to a separate compensable disability rating for left ankle instability. The case is being remanded again due to the need for additional examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left ankle condition and whether it is secondary to her service-connected shin splints.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as well as to obtain additional medical records. The Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for higher evaluations for his right ankle injury is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and a more definitive opinion regarding the severity of his condition, including during flare-ups.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective December 11, 2010 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The remaining issues of service connection for left ankle degenerative arthritis and left wrist fracture are remanded.

The Board has restored the Veteran's 20 percent rating for her service-connected right ankle sprain, finding that there is reasonable certainty that the improvement in her condition will be maintained under ordinary conditions of life.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to his symptoms.,Service connection has been granted for the left ankle condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the shoulders, left ankle, right knee, cervical spine, and right wrist, are granted. The Veteran is also awarded a 20% rating for his left knee disability since June 12, 2018.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot, ankle, knee, and fibula disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that is related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left lower extremity disabilities have resulted in permanent loss of use of both feet, qualifying him for financial assistance to purchase an automobile or adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,Specifically, a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service or to his service-connected left ankle arthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee disorder, left ankle disorder, right shoulder disorder, and skin disorder due to a lack of relevant service treatment records. The Veteran testified that his injuries occurred during service while carrying a casket.

The Board has remanded the claims due to new evidence received after the June 2020 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn.,The Board has determined that the Veteran should be provided with VA examinations to assess his current disabilities, including residuals of right orbital floor fracture, left elbow disability, right ankle disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle disability is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has referred his case for an extraschedular evaluation due to significant functional impairment. The claim is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left ankle disability.