Ankle decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for right ankle strain, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the current condition and an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection on the merits is remanded due to new evidence showing chronic back pain since discharge. Other claims are also remanded for VA examinations and opinions regarding potential service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied, and the case was remanded for further development. The low back disability claim is currently under review.

The Veteran's neck, eye, asthma, left ankle, and acquired psychiatric disorder claims are remanded for further development.,A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current neck disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle sprain has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision. The right knee condition issue is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's right ankle osteochondral defect with degenerative arthritis was granted an initial rating of 20 percent from May 8, 2009 to October 30, 2013 and a maximum 20 percent rating thereafter. The lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease was granted an initial rating of 40 percent effective September 28, 2013.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity were found to be service connected as a result of his lumbosacral strain. The TDIU claim was granted effective September 28, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability, left ear hearing loss, and denied service connection for a perforated eardrum. The issues of entitlement to service connection for flat feet (pes planus), sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, a left ankle disability, and bilateral hearing loss were remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various joint disabilities, including fibromyalgia and elbow, shoulder, hand, and ankle conditions. The reasons are that the dates of active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA performed by the Veteran during his service in Bahrain need to be verified.

The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection of a heart disability, increased rating for left ankle disability, and ratings in excess of existing ones for hypertension and back disability are denied.,The Veteran's claim for remand on the issue of increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine is pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral foot disability and right ankle disability due to insufficient opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding service connection for varicose veins as secondary to service-connected right ankle tenosynovitis. The effective date of the rating for the right ankle scar remains April 1, 2018.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and right ankle disorder are dismissed. The claim to reopen his bilateral eye disorder is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for right ankle, right knee, and lumbar spondylolisthesis have been denied. The claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is REMANDED due to inadequate opinions regarding causation and aggravation.

Prior to June 28, 2022, the Veteran's left ankle disability was rated at 10 percent.,From June 28, 2022 onwards, a rating of 20 percent for the left ankle disability is granted.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for additional examinations to clarify the current severity of his knee and ankle disabilities.,During the December 2021 Board hearing, the Veteran reported experiencing instability in both knees and right ankle, which may require further evaluation.

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

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine condition is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable rating criteria. Additionally, the Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder arthritis. The decision on the left ankle/heel disorder is remanded due to incomplete records and inadequate opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of medical records from Fort Moore, Georgia. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and then readjudicate the claims.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a left ankle disability, and bilateral pes planus. The Veteran's stomach disability is remanded for further examination.