Ankle decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right and left ankles, as well as his claim for a TDIU based on service-connected lumbar spine disability, are being remanded to allow for additional development.,Specifically, the Veteran needs to be provided with VA examinations to assess the current severity of his lumbar spine disability. Additionally, he should be asked to provide private treatment records from Dr. Crawford/Norton Leatherman.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations, service connection, and effective date determinations due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is also being asked to undergo additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient nexus opinions and requests for additional evidence.

The Veteran's ankle and neck conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their etiology, with a focus on whether they are related to service or pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral chronic elbow strain and lateral collateral ligament sprain of both ankles have been granted service connection.,A separate 10 percent rating for TMJ prior to January 23, 2018 has also been granted.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including arthritis of the hands, knees, and ankles; a back disorder; bilateral knee disorders; erectile dysfunction; breathing and respiratory issues; and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims of service connection for a psychiatric disability, sleep apnea, hypertension, hypothyroidism, left knee disability, and left ankle disability are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for right ankle status post Achilles tendon repair and left ankle sprain, finding that the Veteran's bilateral ankle disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to limited motion.

The Veteran's left ankle fracture is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,PTSD, depression, anxiety, angina, and fatigue are all remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities, as the current opinions are inadequate.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several service-connected disabilities have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the cases of right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right ankle sprain for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right ankle disability is proximately due to or the result of her service-connected disabilities, specifically her low back and/or right hip disabilities. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for headaches, degenerative joint disease of the right ankle, posttraumatic stress syndrome with depression, muscle pain of the back and calves due to an undiagnosed illness. Additional VA examinations are needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's application to reopen claims for service connection for residuals of dental trauma, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee injury, and right ankle injury has been granted. The claims are remanded for a VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia patella, limitation of extension, and instability of the left knee. The Board also remanded the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for left ankle sprain.

The Veteran's PTSD with TBI is rated at 70 percent, effective March 2010. The rating for the right foot/ankle disability remains at 30 percent. A separate 20 percent rating was granted for limitation of motion of the right ankle from September 8, 2020 to December 15, 2020.

The Board denied service connection for various knee, wrist, ankle, and lumbosacral disabilities. Service connection was granted for eczema and bilateral eye keratoconus. Migraine headaches were presumed to be incurred in service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a mood disability and multiple orthopedic disorders, have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 16, 2013. The Board has granted a TDIU from that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions, including regarding SSA records and a VA examination.