Ankle decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left shoulder and right ankle disabilities has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 20 percent for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, as well as a back disability, due to insufficient reasons and bases in the previous decision. The claims are being returned for further development and readjudication.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's right ankle condition is being reviewed again as part of this process.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased disability evaluations in various conditions, with some issues granted and others not. Service connection for a lung disorder was also established.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been reopened and is granted.,The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, left ankle disability, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, low back disability, and skin condition of the left foot have not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's employment status and history since December 2008, including any part-time employment. The AOJ will request updated information from the Veteran and his employers.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for various disabilities as both the appellant and his authorized representative requested a withdrawal of these appeals.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability as secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine, right shoulder, and left ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development. The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under current regulations. Service connection for a right thumb disability remains unresolved as there are no findings indicating it is proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left ankle disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a rating for his left ankle disorder, migraine headaches, skin disorders other than dermatophytosis, and tension headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran also has new and material evidence presented to reopen his claim of service connection for a left ankle disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation in the November 2021 decision regarding the Veteran's lay reports of functional impairment and the contribution of non-service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is seeking SMC based on loss of use of feet, but the Board found no such loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including service connection for right knee disability (secondary to left knee), left ankle disability (secondary to left knee), increased ratings for synovitis of the left knee, status-post total arthroplasty of the left knee, posttraumatic changes of the left hip, residuals of a left tibia fracture, and TDIU prior to and since November 13, 2012.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disability, rupture of posterior tibialis tendon, radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities (hip disabilities), and pituitary tumor. The decision also remanded claims for chronic sinusitis and hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, affecting balance and propulsion. The Board finds that he is eligible for specially adapted housing but not for special home adaptation grants due to his existing eligibility for SAH.

The Board has remanded the claims for right ankle, left knee, and acquired psychiatric disabilities due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left hip disorder is being remanded due to insufficient examination findings and rationale.,The Veteran's increased rating claims for right ankle sprain status post-fracture are denied as the evidence does not support ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to March 11, 2020 or 30 percent thereafter.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, left ankle disability, and left shoulder disability. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology after service.,The Board also denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder scar as it is considered a residual from his non-service-connected left shoulder rotator cuff repair surgery.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability was denied, and the request to withdraw his TDIU claim is now dismissed. The appeal for a higher rating of his right ankle disability remains pending.