Ankle decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left and right ankle disabilities have been rated at 10 percent since June 10, 2009. The Board found that the evidence did not show marked limitation of motion in either ankle.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle scar is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise on the question of whether the Veteran manifested a left ankle scar during the pendency of this appeal and that it is etiologically related to service.

The Board finds the Veteran's left ankle condition is etiologically related to her service-connected left knee instability and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of left ear hearing loss or a left ankle disability, and therefore service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining addendum opinions from VA examiners and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, with resolution of reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to several issues, including a need for new VA opinions on left knee and ankle disorders, low back disorder, tinnitus, and psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran does not have a current left ankle condition that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service.,The Veteran does not have a current right shoulder condition that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service, nor does he have a current right shoulder condition that was caused by, or aggravated by, a service-connected right elbow disability.,The Veteran does not have a current lumbar spine condition that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service.,The Veteran does not have a current bone condition that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service.,The Veteran does not have a current right hand carpal tunnel syndrome condition that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service, nor does he have a current right hand carpal tunnel syndrome condition that was caused by, or aggravated by, a service-connected right elbow disability.,The Veteran does not have a current left hand carpal tunnel syndrome condition that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service, nor does he have a current left hand carpal tunnel syndrome condition that was caused by, or aggravated by, a service-connected right elbow disability.,The Veteran does not have a current right knee condition that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service, nor does he have a current right knee condition that was caused by, or aggravated by, a service-connected right elbow disability.,The Veteran does not have a current left knee condition that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service, nor does he have a current left knee condition that was caused by, or aggravated by, a service-connected right elbow disability.,The Veteran does not have a current right hip condition that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service.,The Veteran does not have a current left hip condition that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a left ankle disability and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is related to his period of ACDUTRA and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for an orthopedic examination to assess the severity of his right ankle disability. The AOJ must also consider whether extensions of convalescence ratings are warranted following surgical procedures during the evaluation period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further VA examination and opinions regarding his claimed bilateral knee, ankle, and foot disabilities. The issues on appeal are related to service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for bilateral flatfoot and right ankle arthritis has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, which render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted. The remaining issues remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was reopened and granted. The Board found that the Veteran had degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee and ankle arthritis.,The Veteran's shin splints were not service connected, as they are considered a manifestation of his service-connected disabilities of the knees, ankles, and feet.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right eye disability and left ankle disability, finding that these disabilities are related to her active duty service. The claim for a higher rating for left knee DJD remains pending.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities are found to be secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities. His right and left knee disabilities have been granted increased ratings, but the Veteran's ankle disabilities remain denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ankle disability related to service and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The issue of an increased rating for his back disability remains in appellate status.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, but the claims for a left ankle condition and bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability is service-connected, and as such, his claim for secondary service connection for a right hip condition related to this disability is granted.