Ankle decisions — 2023

The Veteran's left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain was rated at 10 percent from January 14, 2020. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of additional range of motion loss during flare-ups or over time.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, throat (dysphagia), and right wrist disabilities due to a lack of persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim for service connection of his right ankle disability is granted. The Board has also remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection and increased rating for his left ankle disability.

The Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle disabilities. The cases are now remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea due to new and material evidence. The claims for other conditions are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine, cervical spine, left knee, right knee, left hip, right hip, left ankle, and duodenitis.

The Board has determined that the remand directives were not substantially complied with and thus another remand is warranted due to incomplete opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral ankle disability, including its relationship to a service-connected lower back condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's left knee condition, right knee strain, left ankle sprain, and left foot hammer toes are all being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was denied as there is no credible evidence linking the condition to his military service.,For contact dermatitis, a compensable rating (10%) was denied due to insufficient evidence of systemic therapy or other immunosuppressive drugs required during the past 12-month period.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral pes planus, right ankle disability, and a right foot disorder due to inconsistencies in VA examination opinions and need for further development.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is rated as noncompensable, with a current numeric designation of Level III.,Service connection for right knee pain and left knee pain is denied due to lack of in-service injury or disease and no persuasive evidence linking the disabilities to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him disabled to the extent that he required the regular aid and assistance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to October 12, 2013 prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's hearing loss in the right ear does not meet VA criteria for a disability, thus denying service connection for that condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete service records and inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's complete military personnel file, separation examination reports, and any outstanding medical records are required. Further evaluations by VA are needed to address the etiology of his current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding service connection for arthritis of multiple joints, including bilateral hips, knees, hands, thumbs, ankles, lumbar spine, and cervical spine.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records, specifically for the appellant's Reserve and Louisiana Army National Guard service as well as his service at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The AOJ is required to obtain these records.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and missing service treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for left ankle disability and vision disability, but has reopened the claim for neck disability. The case is REMANDED to evaluate whether the Veteran's neck disability is related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tinnitus was dismissed. Service connection was granted for left ankle, right ankle, and low back conditions as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis.