Ankle decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn. The claims of vision loss, right ankle disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches, hearing loss, sleep apnea, Gulf War syndrome, deviated septum, and cystitis are dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional VA and private treatment records are needed, as well as another examination for the Veteran's right ankle strain, right and left foot disabilities, right and left knee disabilities, acquired psychiatric disorder, and sleep apnea. The appeal is REMANDED to obtain these records and examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed bilateral ankle condition and there is no evidence linking any current ankle disability to his period of active duty service. As such, the claim for service connection for a bilateral ankle condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions to address the severity of his left knee and ankle disabilities, as well as any current vein disability. The goal is to ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining appropriate ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder, left ankle fracture, and right ankle fracture have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left ankle and foot disabilities, have resulted in a combined evaluation of 80 percent. The Board has granted TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left ankle fracture.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed as there are no remaining issues for review.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied as there is no evidence that he requires regular aid and assistance from another person due to service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a broken right ankle. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded as they may impact the decision on his other claims.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, but not higher, throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, right ankle arthritis with ligament reconstruction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and a right ankle scar, rendered him unable to dress or undress himself, attend to his personal hygiene, manage his finances or medications, walk, relieve himself without assistance, and protect from hazards. The Board finds that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a link between current symptoms and in-service stressors. Service treatment records do not indicate any complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions. The Veteran's current psychiatric condition is being treated through counseling but does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral ankle disability. For his neck and back disabilities, as well as hypertension, service connection is denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to assess the current severity of his service-connected knee, hip, and ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for back and right ankle disorders, including consideration of Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule him for a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left ankle pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) and associated disabilities, including scars and DVT.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the right ankle was denied as his disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disability, new variant Kreutzfeldt disease (mad cow disease), higher initial ratings for left and right ear hearing loss, and an initial compensable evaluation for residuals of mandible fracture are denied as there is no competent medical evidence to support these claims.