Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal includes issues related to service connection for a left knee disability and an increased rating for an adjustment disorder. The Board has determined that these issues require further development and are therefore remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral shin splints, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, and hemorrhoids are all granted as service-connected.,However, the Veteran’s left side flank pain, skin tags, initial compensable ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and initial compensable rating for right knee patellofemoral syndrome remain pending due to further evaluation being required.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture with arthritis secondary to his service-connected left ankle sprain with arthritis. The decision also remanded several other issues, including an initial rating for left ankle sprain with arthritis and service connection for a left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is not service-connected.,There is no legal entitlement to an earlier effective date for the depressive disorder prior to May 13, 2011.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, knee, and ankle disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The VA will request additional medical records and obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has denied service connection for a right ankle disability and remanded the issues of rating left knee, right knee, and right shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic brain injury, left knee tendonitis, and right ankle sprain are all granted effective from August 24, 2010. The disability ratings for the left knee tendonitis and right ankle sprains have been restored to their original levels.,Service connection is established for bilateral optic neuropathy resulting in blindness without light perception in both eyes. The Veteran is also eligible for SMC at the (l) level due to his need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right shoulder disability was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.,Service connection for the left ankle disability is denied.

The Veteran's tinea cruris/corporis has been rated as non-compensable throughout the appeal period. The Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to its limited extent and treatment. The issues of service connection for blurred vision, left ankle disability, and multiple lipomas are remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board denied service connection for tendonitis, bilateral knees, arthralgia, bilateral ankles, and bilateral pes planus as there was no evidence showing these conditions were related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back and cervical spine disabilities, bilateral shoulder, hip, leg, knee, Achilles tendon, ankle, and foot disabilities. The claims are being returned to VA for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including left shoulder, right shoulder, left ankle, cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and right ankle disabilities. The decision also includes a request for an initial compensable disability rating for migraine headaches. A new examination is required for each issue.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left third and fourth fingers, right ankle, low back disability, left shin scar, PTSD, bilateral knee disabilities, stress fracture of the left tibia, right shoulder disability (prior to April 21, 2014), right clavicle disability, and right wrist disability have been denied. The Veteran's claims for service connection of right fifth finger disability are also denied.,The Board has dismissed the issues of service connection for low back disability, left shin scar, and PTSD as there is no case or controversy with respect to these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right ankle disability is granted, and the effective date of this decision is set at August 31, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle instability and left foot and toe neurological impairment as secondary to in-service low back surgery, and for a neurological impairment of the left side of the face due to an in-service dental injury.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral ankle disability and remanded the issue of service connection for a left eye disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, a back disability, a right ankle disability with broken blood vessel and swelling, residuals of frostbite of the right hand and thumb, and a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected anxiety disorder due to failure to provide VA examinations.

The Board has determined that further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any right elbow, right foot, bilateral knee, or bilateral ankle disorders. The Veteran's service records indicate injuries in service, but a VA examiner will be required to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and right ankle disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations to determine their current severity.