Ankle Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and considering extra-schedular considerations. The TDIU claim is also being referred to the VA's Compensation Service.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's claims for left and right ankle disabilities are both denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a right ankle and/or foot disability due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his condition. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain an opinion without requiring an in-person examination, if necessary.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left wrist disorder, including carpal tunnel syndrome; left thumb disorder; and left ankle disorder. The appeals are dismissed as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for left ankle impingement, right ankle impingement, and obstructive sleep apnea as the evidence did not support a causal relationship to active service.

The Veteran's cervicalgia is granted as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability. A 10 percent rating for GERD prior to December 16, 2019 is granted. An extraschedular rating for GERD from December 16, 2019 is denied. Ratings higher than 10 percent for both the right knee and right ankle disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right foot ganglion cyst was denied as there is no evidence of the condition during the pendency of his appeal. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right ankle arthritis was granted with a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disability, right ankle disability, and right foot hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis, status post bunionectomy (right foot disability) have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for intermittent recurrent bronchitis has also been denied.

The Board has found that the Veteran should be afforded VA examinations to determine if his bilateral ankle, foot, and knee conditions are related to service or secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The sinusitis claim is also remanded for an addendum opinion considering all of the Veteran's lay statements, service treatment records, and post-service treatment records regarding his symptoms during and since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left ankle disorder and hypertension due to outstanding VA examinations not having been conducted as directed in March 2023. The AOJ is instructed to attempt rescheduling the Veteran for these examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss, multiple sclerosis, and left ankle disability for further development to verify the Veteran's service periods and obtain medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding higher initial evaluations for left ankle sprain with shin splints, currently rated at 10 percent prior to February 27, 2021; and 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's hypertension and right ankle disabilities have been granted service connection. The effective date for the hypertension disability is not specified as it was previously denied, but reopened.

Service connection for lumbosacral strain and cervical strain has been granted.,Service connection for bilateral hip iliopsoas tendonitis, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, and left elbow condition have been granted. Service connection for right shoulder condition is pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left ankle conditions, as well as right and left hand and fingers conditions, and right and left hip conditions due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability is granted as service-connected. The Board finds the evidence supports a nexus between the Veteran's bilateral eye disability and his military service, but further development is needed for other conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for bilateral ankle and knee disorders due to insufficient development in prior decisions.

The Board has ordered a remand for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left ankle disability, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if it is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions and service connection issues are being remanded due to the receipt of new evidence. The specific issues include rating adjustments, service connection determinations, and reopening of previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, knee, and foot disorders due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran contends his current disabilities are related to in-service injuries.