Ankle decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but the evidence does not support higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for cystic acne and denied service connection for a right ankle disorder. Service connection is granted for cystic acne as the evidence approximates that it began during active duty, while denial of service connection for the right ankle disorder is based on lack of current diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is unable to bathe himself or protect himself from daily hazards without assistance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right ankle disability were denied. The claim for increased rating of left wrist disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of restless leg syndrome, lumbar spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, left ankle disorder, or residuals of fractured pelvis, to include bilateral hip disorder. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's right ankle strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, reflecting a moderate limitation of motion. No other conditions were addressed in the provided text.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his right ankle disability, finding that the current rating adequately reflects the severity and symptoms of his condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left ankle disorder, which is currently considered a direct service connection issue.

The Board has determined that it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's preexisting left knee disorder was aggravated during his service, and therefore grants service connection for a left knee disability. The right ankle issue remains pending.

The Board finds that service connection for residuals of second-degree burns on the palms with nerve damage is not warranted due to inadequate evidence of current disability. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for a sinus disorder was withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran has sleep apnea that is likely traceable to his period of active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability and a skin disability are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further medical examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle disability, characterized by marked limitation of motion but not ankylosis, did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 21, 1989 for a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and additional medical records. The goal is to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities, including right and left shoulder injuries, low back strain with degenerative joint disease, left ankle injury, left elbow injury, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence regarding his specific learning disability and its impact on employment, as well as an assessment of the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings and service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, hearing loss, rotator cuff disability of the right shoulder with bone spur, post-operative cervical strain with spinal stenosis, allergic rhinitis, skin disability manifested by urticarial wheals, and loss of tooth No. 19.

The Veteran's arthritis of the left ankle is found to be causally related to his active duty service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, cervical spine, right elbow, and right ankle/lower extremity disabilities have been granted.