Ankle decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and special monthly compensation by reason of need for regular aid and attendance or being permanently housebound, finding that there was no formal or informal claim prior to August 20, 1996. The RO had granted TDIU based on a combined service-connected disability rating of 80% as of August 20, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia and fatigue, bilateral elbow pain, left knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability due to a lack of evidence showing that these conditions were incurred in service or related to his service-connected skin condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate notification and possible legal errors in previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence related to the veteran's claimed low back, bilateral knee, left hip, and left ankle disorders.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently have any disability related to a shrapnel wound of the left thigh. The claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining gainful employment, but further medical examination is needed to determine the extent of his disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and entitlement to an increased rating for her right ankle disorder, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or aggravation, and that her current conditions are not related to her military service.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current right ankle disability to his active military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle and Achilles tendon disorder due to lack of current disability as determined by VA examinations.

The RO granted a 30 percent rating for right knee replacement effective October 1, 2004. The veteran's other claims were denied.

The Board found no evidence of a current left ankle disability and denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's left leg disorder is not service-connected. The RO reduced his rating for peroneal nerve palsy with foot drop, right lower extremity from 40% to 30%, effective May 1, 2004.

The Board denied increased ratings for left ankle gangliectomies and degenerative joint disease of the left ankle prior to November 6, 1992.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, right ankle disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and did not reopen the claim of liver disorder.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to walk without the aid of a wheelchair, and he is entitled to specially adapted housing assistance or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical spine condition, including headaches and numbness of the right arm, is service-connected. The remaining claims for asthma, TMJ syndrome, a right shoulder disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and left ankle or foot disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, sinusitis, and right foot fracture were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The VA examinations did not provide sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right ankle disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating than what was already assigned.