Ankle decisions — 2023

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for left ankle, back, neck, and right shoulder impairments have been granted. The case has also been remanded for further evaluation of service connection claims.

The appeal as to diabetes mellitus type II has been withdrawn and is dismissed. The appeals for obstructive sleep apnea, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability are remanded.

The Veteran's asthma is granted on a presumptive basis due to exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances during service, as per the PACT Act. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for his left shoulder strain and left ankle sprain have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal through his representative.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no current ankle disability or recurrent symptoms of such, thus denying the claim. For MDD, the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there were no suicidal ideation, obsessional rituals, or other severe symptoms.

The Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, knee strain, and knee instability, status post total knee arthroplasty, is granted. The claims for secondary service connection for a left hip disability and a left ankle disability are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle, knee, and hip disabilities due to incomplete records and need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's left ankle disability, which includes an osteochondral defect and ligament tears from a previous surgery, is now rated at 10 percent effective October 1, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's right ankle traumatic arthritis and right femur lytic lesion. The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his right ankle condition, while also seeking service connection for his right femur lytic lesion.

The Board has withdrawn the issue of entitlement to service connection for athlete's foot, also claimed as foot fungus. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations related to his ankle, Achilles tendonitis, and wrist disabilities due to incomplete or inadequate examination reports. The Veteran is advised that these issues will be addressed again.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ankle disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development to obtain updated VA and private treatment records and new VA examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has decided to remand this case for a new examination to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition, head injury, left knee strain, and right ankle strain have been denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ankle strain has been remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for thoracolumbar strain has also been remanded.

The Board has found the VA examinations inadequate and remanded for additional examinations to address service connection for bilateral knee and ankle disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to new evidence received since the last Statement of the Case. The claims will be readjudicated in a Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a left ankle disorder and lumbosacral disorder are granted. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a left ankle condition was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, the claim was denied as there is no credible evidence linking the current left ankle condition to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and left hip disability are related to his service-connected conditions, including bilateral pes planus. The nose disability is not related to service, but the sleep apnea and right ankle disability may be secondary to service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's right ankle disability is not related to service.