Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal of the issues regarding service connection for gallbladder condition, sleep condition, groin condition, bilateral ankle condition, and bilateral foot condition has been dismissed due to withdrawal by his attorney.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma, pes planus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee disability remain on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, right ankle disability, and cataracts (claimed as an eye disability) have been denied. The Board found no current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board granted a 20 percent evaluation for the Veteran's right ankle disability prior to August 28, 2018, based on marked limitation of motion. The appeal was denied for an evaluation higher than 10 percent from that date onwards.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the service connection claims related to various conditions, including right and left ankle sprains, sinusitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, blisters on the feet, wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sciatica, upper respiratory infection, alopecia, hair implants, DJD of the hip, lumbar spine DDD, and hearing loss. The Board dismissed these claims as a result.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and medical opinions provided were inadequate for the purpose of resolving the appealed issues. The Veteran's gout, diabetes mellitus, type II, and stroke are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's left ankle disability claim was remanded due to inconsistencies in the previous VA examinations and electrodiagnostic testing. The case is being returned for an addendum opinion to clarify whether the Veteran has drop foot or any neurological deficiency affecting his left ankle, and if so, whether it is related to his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection for left ankle arthritis were denied, while his claim for TDIU was granted subject to certain conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disorder, lumbosacral strain, and lower extremity sciatica as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left ankle disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are denied. The right great toe gout claim is dismissed. The Board has remanded the remaining issues for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right knee condition and right ankle sprain, as well as her TDIU claim due to inadequate examinations in prior remands. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left ankle osteochondritis dissecans and residuals of a left ankle injury was denied. A separate 10 percent disability rating for left ankle instability, beginning January 17, 2014, was granted.

The Veteran's acquired mental disorder is granted service connection. Service connection for left ankle and right knee disabilities are denied, while left knee disability is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disability but has remanded the claims for right and left ankle conditions due to incomplete service treatment records.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent prior to February 17, 2020 and denied throughout the appeal. The left ankle disability is rated at 20 percent prior to February 17, 2020 and denied throughout the appeal. Service connection for right shoulder tendonitis and tinnitus are granted.

The Veteran's appeals for reopening claims of service connection for bilateral elbow and shoulder disabilities were dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal.,New and material evidence was received for several conditions, including tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, right knee and left knee disabilities, right hip and left hip disabilities, right ankle and left ankle disabilities, residual burns of the right leg, and residuals of a right hand/finger disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on current evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected left foot arthritis, left ankle sprain, and painful surgical scar disabilities cause functional impairments that preclude unassisted balance and propulsion to such degree that the Veteran would be equally well served by use of a suitable prosthetic appliance at the ankle level. As a result, entitlement to loss of use of the left foot at the ankle level is granted.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder has been withdrawn. The right ankle disability and gastrointestinal disability claims have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right ankle disability and its relationship to service, including his service-connected right foot ligament tear.