Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,Specifically, a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to his active service or to his service-connected left ankle arthritis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee disorder, left ankle disorder, right shoulder disorder, and skin disorder due to a lack of relevant service treatment records. The Veteran testified that his injuries occurred during service while carrying a casket.

The Board has remanded the claims due to new evidence received after the June 2020 Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn.,The Board has determined that the Veteran should be provided with VA examinations to assess his current disabilities, including residuals of right orbital floor fracture, left elbow disability, right ankle disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle disability is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has referred his case for an extraschedular evaluation due to significant functional impairment. The claim is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work, as well as his need for aid and attendance or housebound status. The Veteran will be required to provide updated employment history and undergo VA examinations to determine these matters.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a respiratory disorder, esophageal cancer, and residuals of a gallbladder removal due to unresolved medical opinions regarding potential exposure to Agent Orange, asbestos, and oil fumes during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine, left ankle, right ankle, and left wrist disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's left ankle disability has been granted a 10 percent rating, effective from November 9, 2021.,Service connection for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, left ankle arthritis, left ankle scar, and eczema was granted on May 27, 2015.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's tension headaches are granted service connection. The remaining issues of service connection for various musculoskeletal and psychiatric disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, including a scar from his Achilles tendon surgery, is rated at 20 percent effective November 15, 2019. The Board also granted an initial rating of 10 percent for the scar prior to that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was granted, and an effective date of March 21, 1995, was established. The left shoulder disability issue is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The left ankle scar issue has been granted with an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left knee has not manifested in flexion limited to 45 degrees or extension limited to 10 degrees, even considering functional impairment due to factors such as pain. The highest rating available is 10 percent.,The Veteran's left foot hallux rigidus, hallux valgus, and hammer toes status post bunionectomy with screw fixation have been assigned a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular rating authorized under the applicable criteria. The Veteran's hammer toes do not affect all toes.,The Veteran's left foot spurring and arthritis corresponds to foot injury of no more than moderate severity. A separate rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for left foot spurring and arthritis is granted.,The Veteran's right foot hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, and hammer toes have been assigned a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular rating authorized under the applicable criteria. The Veteran's hammer toes do not affect all toes.,The Veteran's right foot spurring and arthritis corresponds to foot injury of no more than moderate severity. A separate rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for right foot spurring and arthritis is granted.,The reconstruction of the left ankle manifests in moderate, but not marked, limitation of motion, and it does not manifest in limitation of dorsiflexion to 5 degrees or less or plantar flexion to 10 degrees plantar flexion or less. The highest rating available is 10 percent.,The Veteran does not have a current right ear disability for VA purposes.,Diabetes mellitus, type II, was not shown in service or within one year after discharge from service and is not otherwise associated with service. Therefore, the claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, is denied.,A heart disability was not shown in service or within one year after discharge from service and is not otherwise associated with service. Therefore, the claim of service connection for a heart disability, claimed as residuals of a heart attack, is denied.,Hypertension was not shown in service or within one year after discharge from service and is not otherwise associated with service. Therefore, the claim of service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder has been reopened, but the Board has remanded both his claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and right ankle disorder due to insufficient evidence in the current record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including cervical spine, lumbar spine, right arm, right ankle, left ankle, and right foot disabilities. The case is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's right foot injury residuals, with failed fusion and degenerative arthritis, are rated at 30 percent from July 7, 2009. His right hip dislocation (abduction) is rated at 20 percent from July 7, 2009 to February 16, 2018, and his right hip dislocation (extension) is rated at 10 percent from the same period. The Veteran's total disability based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is granted since July 7, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating and TDIU has been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, right ankle, and left ankle conditions due to inadequate opinions in previous examinations. The claims are being returned to VA for further development.