Ankle Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's left thumb and right ankle disabilities, as the previous VA examinations did not adequately assess functional loss due to repetitive use over time or during flare-ups.

The Veteran's left ankle strain and degenerative joint disease of the left first metatarsal are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings allowed under current regulations.,The Veteran's lower extremity radiculopathy and compression parasthesia associated with lumbosacral strain since March 17, 2023 is also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of frostbite of the bilateral feet, right ankle disability, left leg disability, and right leg disability have been granted.,The Veteran's claim for a right ankle disability has been denied.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and an increased rating for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a contemporaneous examination.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is being remanded for further examination and consideration of the evidence, including service treatment records and any outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, anxiety, and depressed mood are granted. His OSA is rated at the maximum allowable rating of 50 percent. The right ankle sprain and TBI residuals as of April 18, 2019, each receive a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's right ankle condition and acquired psychiatric disorder have been granted service connection, but the appeal for these issues is dismissed as they are considered fully granted.,The Veteran's stroke with residuals has been denied due to lack of evidence linking it to active duty.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, but not higher. The Board found that the disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating due to insufficient evidence of total occupational and social impairment.,For lumbar spine disability, the Veteran was granted an increased rating to 20 percent effective March 10, 2018. The current rating is based on forward flexion limited to 45 degrees with no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome.,For right ankle disability, a 10 percent rating was granted effective March 10, 2018. The Veteran's disability is characterized by moderate ankle symptoms including painful motion and limited dorsiflexion and plantar flexion.

The Veteran's appeals for bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disorder, right and left ankle disorders, and right and left knee disorders are remanded due to the need for updated examinations and medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ankle disability, finding that there is no evidence to support an in-service injury or disease and that it is not related to his service-connected bilateral hip disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for schizoaffective disorder, right knee condition, left knee condition, left ankle condition, and right ankle condition have been reopened.,Service connection has been granted for each of the conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, as well as a claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine prior to February 3, 2020. However, beginning February 3, 2020, the Veteran is granted a 30% evaluation for this condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate or incomplete opinions in previous VA examinations and evaluations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was denied in part. The left knee strain is rated at 10% for limitation of extension and flexion, while the left ankle disability (prior to April 10, 2017) remains rated at 10%. However, since April 10, 2017, a rating of 30% has been granted for ankylosis of the left ankle.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee, right ankle, right hand, and right wrist disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and left ankle conditions due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between his current disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an acquired deformity of the right shin, a right ankle disability with pain, and a left knee disability manifested by swelling and flare-ups due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is advised to provide medical records and attend VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for mechanical low back pain with herniated disc at L3-4, residuals of right ankle fracture, and stress fracture of the right femur were denied as there was no evidence provided by a VA examination due to the Veteran's failure to report.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, requiring a new opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's right ankle disability and whether it is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected left ankle disability.