Ankle decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis and related joint disabilities are rated at 20 percent prior to January 15, 2016. The appeals for increased ratings for right ankle, left ankle, right hip, and left hip rheumatoid arthritis were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of chronic sinusitis and right wrist disability. The Board found new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various orthopedic conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck disability, right hand arthritis, bilateral ankle arthritis, and left-hand arthritis. The decision found that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations, and now requests additional private medical opinions.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for a right ankle disability and a left shoulder disability as they are not related to active service, with both disabilities being secondary to other conditions. The appeal is dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to February 9, 2017 is denied as he was employed full-time as a corrections officer at that time. The Board finds the VA examinations conducted in August and March 2015 inadequate due to lack of consideration of all procurable data and potential functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board denied service connection for a right gluteal strain and granted initial disability ratings of 10 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis, right ankle strain, and right hip strain with femoral head stress changes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional information and evidence, as well as to schedule VA examinations. The effective date of the award of service connection is denied.

The Veteran's right ankle strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,There is no evidence of a current left ankle disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of current diagnosis for the left ankle condition and the need for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as non-compensable, and the Board finds no basis for a compensable rating.,Service connection for the low back disability and right knee condition are denied due to lack of evidence showing aggravation beyond its natural progression during service.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating increase for his right ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease, osteopenia and lateral collateral ligament strain with ankle fracture s/p ORIF is dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection due to incomplete records, lack of VA examinations, and other procedural issues. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical records and authorize their release.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including neck, hip, leg, knee, and ankle conditions. The claims are being returned to VA for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle, back, and bilateral foot disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions and outstanding National Guard records.

The Board has denied service connection for disabilities of the left index finger, right index finger, left middle finger, right middle finger, left ring finger, right ring finger, left little finger, right little finger, low back disability, and left ankle disability.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain is granted a 10% rating effective September 30, 2014 and a 20% rating effective October 5, 2020.,The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a right ankle condition.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis and status post ACL repair, right knee patellofemoral chondromalacia with medial meniscal tear, left ankle arthritic changes, and sinusitis. The issue of service connection for right ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new and material evidence having been received, but the underlying merits of the claims remain in dispute. The Veteran's current disabilities are being evaluated as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability.