Ankle decisions — 2018

The Board has denied a claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for status post lateral ligament reconstruction of the bilateral ankles, finding that the disability picture is not so exceptional or unusual as to render impractical the application of the regular schedular criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an addendum medical opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right ankle disorder. The AOJ should also readjudicate the issue on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and he also has various other disabilities in his back, hands, wrists, elbows, ankles, shoulders, and hips. The Board finds these claims are granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right shoulder, wrist and finger, and ankle degenerative joint disease were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee and ankle disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation from September 18, 2012 through February 23, 2015. The case is remanded for extraschedular TDIU consideration outside this timeframe.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for an orthopedic examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a left lower extremity disability, encompassing the Veteran's claimed left hip, knee, and ankle conditions. The appeal of secondary service connection for these conditions to residuals of right knee GSW is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left ankle sprain prior to January 31, 2013, between January 31, 2013 and March 14, 2013, and since May 1, 2013 are all denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on his left ankle sprain.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on all issues related to service connection and increased rating for traumatic brain injury. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities render him disabled to the extent that he requires the regular aid and assistance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left ankle disability. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher disability ratings or service connection for any of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is not service-connected.,The Veteran's thoracic spine disability warrants a maximum 20% evaluation, as there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent for the period from February 1, 2013. The VA has determined that her condition meets the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran failed to report for necessary VA examinations, resulting in the denial of claims for increased ratings and service connection.,A right hand disorder other than status post right 5th finger fracture with deformity was not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating for diabetes, service connection for a skin condition, kidney disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression), tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, right ankle disability, and right wrist disability were denied. The claim for reopening of the right ankle and right wrist disabilities was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle sprain has been rated at 10 percent since September 21, 2009. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to moderate limited range of motion.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, right ankle, and left hip conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is related to his military service, warranting service connection.,There is at least equipoise evidence supporting a finding that the Veteran's left ankle sprain may be linked to his military service.