Ankle decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for back strain have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, cervical spine, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, bilateral shoulder, bilateral ankle, and bilateral foot disabilities did not manifest during active service or are otherwise related to such service. As a result, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, back disability, neck disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) were denied. The hearing loss claim was granted with a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his service-connected left clavicle fracture with deformity and limited motion of the shoulder, currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and right ankle sprain, currently rated as 10 percent disabling, were denied. The evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent under applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions are evaluated based on their direct impact without any presumption or secondary linkage to other conditions.

The Board has decided in favor of the Veteran, granting service connection for a right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for right and left ankle disabilities, right and left knee disabilities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions in the November 2016 letter from Dr. T.R.F.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, left wrist, and respiratory disabilities due to a lack of evidence demonstrating current diagnoses or functional impairment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and special monthly compensation as the Veteran withdrew his claims prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted service connection for osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the right ankle, right shoulder impingement with rotator cuff tendonitis, tachycardia, and hypertension.,Service connection is established for left shoulder impingement with rotator cuff tendonitis. However, this issue was not addressed in the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional VA treatment records. The claim will be reconsidered after these are obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's disabilities and addressing his theory of entitlement to service connection based on a secondary disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral ankle disability. The right and left ankle disabilities are found to be incurred in service, with the left ankle disability being secondary to the right ankle disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for left lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus type II and left eye sixth nerve palsy, bilateral cataracts, and bilateral hypertensive retinopathy.,The remaining issues of service connection for right ankle disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and left ankle disability are remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a chronic right hip disability related to service and denied his claim for service connection. For his right ankle fracture, the Board determined that the current rating of 10% was appropriate based on the evidence showing moderate limited range of motion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, low back disability, and right ankle disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture with an effective date of February 18, 2016. The lung disorder claim is denied.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disorder and right hip condition as secondary to service-connected right knee disability. The evidence received since the prior denial raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of thoracolumbar strain, service connection for right ankle disability and right foot disability, as well as a disability of the right thumb, hand, and wrist were all granted.