Ankle decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee claimed as instability has been withdrawn. The Veteran's left ankle condition is granted service connection due to its being proximately due to his service-connected left knee disability. The cases of hypertension and hip conditions are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's pes planus was granted a higher rating of 50 percent since January 18, 2021. The remaining issues were remanded for further development.,Service connection was established for stomach disability and hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right knee condition, right ankle condition, and left ankle condition are being REMANDED due to the need to obtain missing service treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran is also seeking VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle condition, including degenerative joint disease, is at least as likely as not related to a right ankle injury during service. Service connection for residuals of right ankle injury and degenerative joint disease is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and issues regarding the competency of examiners.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to insufficient evidence from the period prior to March 28, 2018. The VA will need to provide updated treatment records and schedule a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left ankle disability and scar.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for right ankle instability/laxity as of April 4, 2012, but no earlier. The Veteran's right ankle limitation of motion remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased ratings has been remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's bowel disability is not service-connected as it is not related to his active-duty service, nor is it proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's bilateral elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with its remand directives and must remand the claims for additional development.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for various conditions and initial disability ratings, as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in its entirety prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for a right ankle disability, which is claimed as secondary to the service-connected left ankle disability. The decision also includes a remand for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 23, 2021, and in excess of 20 percent as of June 23, 2021, for a left ankle disability.

The Board has denied an increased rating for hypertension and has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, right and left leg deep vein thrombosis, glaucoma, lung condition, face numbness, and depression. The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to outstanding treatment records and the need for medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot and ankle disorder and left ankle fracture residuals, finding no current disability or evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of a right ankle disability has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral iliac artery aneurysm, right; bilateral iliac artery aneurysm, left; carotid artery occlusive disease; infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm; and removal of spleen due to river flukes as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease. The issues of service connection for PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II (due to herbicide exposure) have been granted.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for right hip condition, bilateral leg condition, and right ankle condition due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for neck, back, bilateral knee, bilateral ankle, and bilateral hip disabilities on a direct basis. The claim for sleep disorder, including sleep apnea, is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle and knee disabilities, as well as tinnitus, have been granted. However, the right knee instability and strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome are remanded for further examination.,Service connection has also been granted for TBI, but a new VA examination is needed to determine if there are current manifestations of this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current disabilities, specifically osteonecrosis of the knees, ankles, and hips. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.