Ankle Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee, ankle, and skin disabilities should be remanded due to inadequate medical nexus opinions in the original decision. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated treatment records, provide an examination to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities, and consider whether they are related to active service.

The Board has restored the Veteran's prior rating of 20 percent for his left ankle disability, effective February 15, 2020. The reduction from 20 to 10 percent was improper as there is no evidence of actual improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and obstructive sleep apnea secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus. The issue of service connection for bilateral ankle instability is remanded as it may be related to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral pes planus, right and left ankle arthritis, lower back arthritis, cervical spine disorder, right hip condition, left hip condition, major depression, right leg radiculopathy, right arm radiculopathy, erectile dysfunction (ED), left knee replacement, and right knee disability. The denial is based on the conclusion that these conditions did not pre-exist service or were not aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for a VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's right ankle disorder.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, right and left ankle disorders, right and left hip disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, and erectile dysfunction are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for a low back disorder and left ankle condition, as they are related to service-connected residuals of a left tibia fracture. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left shoulder and right ankle disabilities has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 20 percent for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, as well as a back disability, due to insufficient reasons and bases in the previous decision. The claims are being returned for further development and readjudication.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's right ankle condition is being reviewed again as part of this process.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased disability evaluations in various conditions, with some issues granted and others not. Service connection for a lung disorder was also established.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD has been reopened and is granted.,The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, left ankle disability, cervical spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, low back disability, and skin condition of the left foot have not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's employment status and history since December 2008, including any part-time employment. The AOJ will request updated information from the Veteran and his employers.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for various disabilities as both the appellant and his authorized representative requested a withdrawal of these appeals.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability as secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's cervical spine, right shoulder, and left ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development. The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under current regulations. Service connection for a right thumb disability remains unresolved as there are no findings indicating it is proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left ankle disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a rating for his left ankle disorder, migraine headaches, skin disorders other than dermatophytosis, and tension headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran also has new and material evidence presented to reopen his claim of service connection for a left ankle disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation in the November 2021 decision regarding the Veteran's lay reports of functional impairment and the contribution of non-service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is seeking SMC based on loss of use of feet, but the Board found no such loss.