Ankle decisions — 2023

The case is on appeal for increased disability ratings and a TDIU. The issues include right ankle, right elbow, and right shoulder disabilities. These matters are REMANDED due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent since November 21, 2018. The appeal for higher ratings prior to that date was denied. Service connection has been granted for left ankle, right hip, and left hip disabilities as secondary to the service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus and hearing loss have been granted service connection. The fracture of the fourth metacarpal, left hand has not been granted a compensable rating. Service connection for right shoulder condition, right ankle injury, and left ankle injury is remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for left ankle disability, finding that there was clear and unmistakable error in denying it previously. The decision is based on evidence showing a current diagnosis of left ankle instability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration due to incomplete VA treatment records and the need for a more detailed medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee disabilities and right ankle disability due to inadequate opinions in July 2018, and because of new evidence presented at the June 2021 Board Hearing. The Veteran's representative asserted that his right ankle disability is caused by overcompensating on his right side due to his service-connected back and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral shin splints and bilateral ankle sprain has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has found that the November 2017 VA examination is inadequate for adjudicative purposes and requires a new examination to comply with Correia v. McDonald, which mandates passive range of motion testing.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right shoulder and right ankle disability due to incomplete development in the prior appeal.

The Board dismissed the appeal of service connection for gynecological condition due to the Veteran's withdrawal. Service connection was granted for left ankle condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment, and thus denied his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's request for a higher rating for her painful scar of the right hip and a 20 percent rating for her right ankle disability are denied. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to determine if the Veteran has a lumbar spine disability due to her service-connected bilateral hip disabilities.

The Board dismissed all appeals as the Veteran withdrew his appeals prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including left ankle, foot, wrist, shoulder, low back, and right knee injuries. The VA examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral ankle disabilities and for a TDIU due to lack of proper development, including scheduling an examination and obtaining supporting evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the presence and etiology of a low back condition and left knee condition.,The Veteran's right ankle disability remains rated at 10 percent, with no higher rating granted. His bilateral ingrown toenails are currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left hip, right hip, left foot, right foot, left ankle, and right ankle conditions. The right shoulder condition was also granted as service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gout of the left and right upper and lower extremities, as well as his right ankle disorder and left and right elbow disorders are related to his service-connected hypertension. The Board finds a need for additional medical opinions to address these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder, right hip disorder (secondary to the left ankle disorder), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to environmental exposures while in Southwest Asia.,For the left ankle disorder, the Veteran's service treatment records show no diagnosis of an avulsion fracture but mention left Achilles tendonitis. The examiner concluded it is less likely than not related to service.,Regarding the right hip disorder, there was no examination provided by VA and the Board has remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to the left ankle disorder or due to environmental exposures while in Southwest Asia.,For GERD, the Veteran's STRs do not mention frequent indigestion or heartburn. The examiner concluded that it is less likely than not related to service and environmental exposures.