Ankle decisions — 2018

The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were incurred in service, with the Board finding that his symptoms have been present since service. The Veteran's left ankle disability is also granted, but a new VA examination is needed to determine its current severity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted. He is now presumed sound with respect to eczema of the elbows, which he developed during active duty service. His foot disability (pes planus and hallux valgus) was noted at entry into service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been addressed. The Board has granted some of the requested increases in rating, but denied others.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claim as he is deceased.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for recurrent major depressive disorder has been granted.,New and material evidence was received to reopen the Veteran's right ankle disability claim, which is now considered.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, a psychiatric disorder (anxiety, depression, PTSD), bilateral foot disorder, cervical spine disorder, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, right knee/leg disorder, left knee/leg disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, right shoulder disorder, and left shoulder disorder. The Board found no current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine strain is rated at 40 percent, and his left ankle degenerative joint disease and tendonitis are rated at 20 percent. The temporary total rating for the right knee disability from April 29, 2014 to June 30, 2014 remains in effect. The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for a right ankle sprain has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle and cervical spine disabilities are related to his service, with current diagnoses of arthritis. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for back disability, eye disability, cervical spine disability and right ankle disability were denied. The claim for headaches was granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. His gastritis is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render her unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a need for regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation. Additionally, the Veteran meets criteria for financial assistance to purchase an automobile with necessary adaptive equipment due to his service-connected right foot disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disability and PTSD, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for bilateral ankle disability. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence linking the current disabilities to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, with separate ratings for limitation of motion and instability. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his right ankle disability and obtain any outstanding treatment records.

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

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability. The Veteran's claims for service connection of a bilateral ankle disability and right eye disability are remanded.

The Board found that the Veteran's flat feet were not aggravated by service and denied his claims for service connection for acute back pain, right wrist condition, left wrist condition, right knee arthralgia, left knee arthralgia, right ankle sprain, left ankle sprain, and tension headaches.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at a maximum of 20 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 5271 for marked limitation of motion.

The Board has denied reopening of service connection for a right knee disorder, right ankle disorder, and asthma due to lack of new and material evidence. The Veteran's claim for left wrist disorder is not substantiated by the available evidence.