Ankle decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various knee and shoulder disabilities have been remanded due to the lack of service treatment records. The Board finds that new evidence has reopened the claims, but further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's initial rating for left ankle disability is granted at a 20 percent level. Service connection for cold injury to the hands and hematosis acid reflux indigestion (GERD) are remanded due to inadequate nexus opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of the left ankle, knee, and hip do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU rating. The Board finds that they are not shown to be of such nature and severity as to render him unable to secure and maintain regular substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a link between his current condition and his military service.,For the residuals of coccyx injury, the Board found insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's current pain to his in-service tailbone injury. The case was remanded for further examination and opinion.

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

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to new evidence of worsening knee conditions, as well as secondary service connection issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since July 24, 2020.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was previously rated at 30 percent prior to March 18, 2013 and increased to 40 percent since February 2, 2021. The appeal is denied for ratings in excess of these levels.

The Board denied service connection for left ankle, shoulder, and arm disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,Service connection was not granted as there is no direct or secondary evidence supporting the claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for gouty arthritis of the right great toe and left ankle, as well as initial compensation for kidney stones, have been dismissed due to his death. The Board has no jurisdiction to proceed with these matters.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hearing loss of the right ear, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, ADHD). The Board also remanded her claims for service connection for right leg pain and weakness, left leg pain and weakness, right ankle condition, left ankle condition, right hip condition, sinusitis, and lower back condition.,The Veteran's current bilateral leg pain and weakness are related to her service-connected left hip strain. The Veteran's current bilateral ankle conditions may be related to her active military service. Her current acquired psychiatric disorder (depression, ADHD) is likely related to her in-service stressors.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for tinnitus and left ankle disability, but has remanded both issues due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral ankle disabilities and obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate examination reports. The VA examiners did not address the Veteran's lay statements, medical evidence, and specific treatment notes in their opinions.

Your service connection claim for residual ganglion cysts, right ankle has been granted and is now in effect.

The Veteran's request for an increased initial disability rating for his right ankle disability was denied. The current rating of 20 percent is the maximum available under the applicable criteria.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and employment information. The TDIU claim is also remanded as there is conflicting evidence regarding her work history.

The Board has restored the prior 20 percent rating for the Veteran's right ankle disability, but has remanded the issue of entitlement to a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and a TDIU due to incomplete examinations, lack of medical records, and need for additional assessments.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ratings and service connection claims.