Ankle decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for her service-connected right ankle disability is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The Board finds that the June 2023 VA examination report's finding of ankylosis is contradicted by the August 2023 VA addendum opinion, and another remand is required to determine whether there is functional equivalent of ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's right hand disability is granted as service-connected.,There is no evidence of a current rib, ankle, or shin splint disability that can be linked to service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral spine strain and right ankle sprain ratings have been reduced, but the reductions are being overturned due to lack of improvement in function under ordinary conditions.,Higher ratings for these disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, lower back, cervical, right ankle, and left ankle disorders are remanded due to insufficient evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.

Service connection is granted for post-traumatic osteoarthritis with degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity femoral and sciatic radiculopathy, left lower extremity femoral and sciatic radiculopathy, and a left ankle chronic/recurrent lateral collateral ligament sprain.,The Veteran's service connection claims for left knee disability are remanded due to incomplete service personnel records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hemorrhoids, right ankle condition, left ankle condition, and tinnitus. The cases are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the claimed conditions and military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability, finding that new and relevant evidence supports the claim. The opinion of a private medical examiner is highly probative in establishing that the current right ankle disability is related to the Veteran's active service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the Veteran's representative withdrew all issues on appeal, including the restoration of service connection for right ankle degenerative joint disease.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for right ankle disorder, service connection for a cervical spine disorder, and service connection for OSA as these issues were already pending before the Board.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disorders, including back, right shoulder, left wrist, right knee, and ankle issues. The reasons include a lack of continuity of symptoms post-service and incomplete medical records.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased rating claims related to his right foot, left foot, right knee strain, and right ankle strain.,The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn by his representative.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a throat disorder, burns to the face, torso, and left arm, right-hand disorder, and left ankle disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder, claimed as joint pain, is granted service connection. The back disability claim is denied. The obstructive sleep apnea claim is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle strain, finding that the evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's condition was related to his active duty service. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, right and left shoulder disorders, cervical spine disorder, left and right ankle disorders, headaches, chronic pain syndrome, left shin splints, and right shin splints. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and medical opinions.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain and associated scar have been granted service connection with an effective date of August 2, 1992. The rating for the right ankle sprain has also been restored to 20 percent.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain another medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disorder and whether there is evidence of ankylosis or functional ankylosis.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and ankle condition is dismissed.,An effective date prior to September 14, 2018, for the grant of service connection for IBS is denied.,The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, respiratory condition, and chronic fatigue syndrome are reopened. Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.,Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted, subject to the laws and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.,The claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and respiratory condition are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates are remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his service personnel records and medical treatment records from USNH Great Lakes.