Ankle decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right and left ankle condition due to inadequate medical opinions addressing the etiology of his conditions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical records, request an in-person examination if necessary, and provide the Veteran another opportunity to complete VA Form 21-4142.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent, and higher ratings are not warranted.,The Veteran's left foot disability with massive tissue loss, severed heel pad and recurrent dislocated metatarsal joint has a combined rating in excess of 40 percent for disabilities below the knee, precluding any additional rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to additional development and new medical opinions being required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional records and examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 30 percent, effective October 11, 2018. The Board granted a higher rating based on ankylosis of the right ankle.

The Veteran's right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain is rated at a 10 percent disability rating under the old and new criteria. The Board has now granted a higher rating of 20 percent, but no higher.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids, service connection for right ankle disorder, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disability, low back disability, and left leg radiculopathy as secondary to his low back disability.,There is no evidence of a current right ankle or low back disability that began during active service. The VA examiner found that any current right ankle disability was less likely caused by an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II (DMII), hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities due to potential exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. The claims are also remanded for further examination regarding his right wrist disorder, bilateral ankle disorders, right hip disorder, and left knee disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine has been granted.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for cervical spine with intervertebral disc syndrome has been granted.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis has been granted.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for left ankle degenerative arthritis has been granted.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis has been granted.,The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis has been granted.

The Board has directed that the Veteran's records of VA-authorized fee-basis treatment and scanned/VistA imaging records be associated with her file. The issues related to ratings for wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and ankle fracture residuals, as well as TDIU prior to August 11, 2021, are being remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as they are related to claims of new and material evidence for various conditions, including bilateral ankle disability, pes planus, tinea cruris, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain with shin splints was rated at 10 percent prior to February 27, 2021 and granted a 20 percent rating from that date.,A 20 percent rating is assigned for the Veteran's left ankle disability since February 27, 2021.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for several conditions, including right hand, right shoulder, left shoulder, and left hand disorders. The claims of service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder and fibromyalgia were also withdrawn.,Service connection was granted for a right ankle disorder and a left hip disorder.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for back disability, left knee disability, left elbow disability, right elbow disability, left hand disability, right hand disability, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability due to inadequate opinions addressing both etiology and pathophysiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shin splints, ankle disability, and knee disability due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran is required to provide another in-person VA examination with a complete written history and proper rationale.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral ankle disability and lower back disability due to insufficient development of records, including VA treatment records. The Veteran is asked to provide information about his in-service injuries and any relevant medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for sinusitis, tonsilitis, right ankle condition, bilateral pes planus, left shin splints, and right shin splints/tendonitis due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service exposure to chemicals and his ongoing symptoms.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of right ankle injury, left knee condition secondary to residuals of right ankle injury, and right knee condition secondary to residuals of right ankle injury. The claim for service connection for skin condition is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but has remanded the case for further development regarding the right ankle condition.