Ankle decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral recurrent tinnitus. The cases of bilateral hearing loss, multiple sclerosis (MS), and left ankle disability are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his service-connected right leg venous stasis/insufficiency, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a right foot condition with ankle problems. The claims are being remanded for additional examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was previously rated at 10% prior to July 29, 2013 and granted a 20% rating from July 29, 2013 to February 2, 2021. From February 3, 2021, the Veteran is now rated at 30%. The case has been remanded for further development.

The Board denied compensation benefits for additional disabilities of the left knee or leg and left foot or ankle, finding that the April 2015 left total knee replacement did not cause any additional disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back and right ankle disabilities due to a lack of VA examination records and the need for further medical evaluation.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's service-connected knee, ankle, elbow, and hand disabilities are being remanded for further examination to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, rated at 20 percent since June 4, 2010, is currently manifested by marked limitation of motion without ankylosis or malunion of the tibia and fibula. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's right ankle disability, which was previously rated as non-compensable. The decision also notes that the Veteran does not have ankylosis and thus cannot be rated higher under DC 5271.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of substantial compliance with previous directives and for additional examination.

The Veteran's left ankle condition, including tendonitis and degenerative joint disease of the left knee, have been granted service connection. The right ankle condition has also been granted but is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for a left knee disorder and remanded the issue of service connection for a left ankle disorder due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's initial increased rating of 20 percent for his left ankle disability, effective from August 31, 2017, is granted. Prior to this date, the disability was rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability, finding that his current condition is related to an injury sustained during active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle condition as there is no current diagnosis of such and no evidence of functional impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for insomnia and remanded the issues of service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, rhinitis (h. pylori infection), and dyshidrotic eczema.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, thoracic spine, left and right ankle, left and right foot, and skin disorders have been denied as there is no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and his military service.,The Veteran's claim for tinnitus has been remanded due to the failure to attend VA examinations without showing good cause.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical nexus opinions and the need to obtain additional evidence, including Social Security Administration records.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been granted a 10% rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's service-connected right ankle scars have not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and right shoulder disability. The Veteran's claim for a right ankle disability is remanded due to inadequate development.,Service connection for headaches remains pending.