Ankle decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left ankle disability, tinnitus, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been granted service connection. The Veteran's PTSD has also been granted a 70 percent rating.,Service connection for hearing loss was dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for anxiety disorder with OCD symptoms was dismissed. The claim of service connection for a left ankle condition is reopened, but the claims for right ankle, left knee, and right knee conditions are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine disability and right ankle disability, but allowed reopening of the claim for right ankle disability.,Service connection was not granted for right hip, leg/shin disabilities, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, or variously diagnosed psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's left ankle residual surgical scar is granted a 10 percent rating, but no higher.

The Veteran's initial rating for left ankle fracture with internal fixation and screw removal is granted at 20%. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a lower back disability due to potential secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation at the higher rate. He also qualifies for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his significant service-connected disability affecting both lower extremities.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic right ankle disability that began during or was aggravated by service, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for right ankle, lumbar spine, cervical spine, and hip disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was last examined in 2012, and the VA examiner did not conduct a proper examination. The case law requires that joint testing for pain on both active and passive motion, in weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing must be included in the examination report. Therefore, the appeal is remanded to obtain updated treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disease in service or within one year after service, and that the current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's left ankle fracture residuals are related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left ankle disorder is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and an examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for further medical evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for traumatic brain injury or residuals thereof, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral hip disability, low back disability, neck disability, and sleep disorder.,The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions at the time of the decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, finding no current disability and insufficient evidence linking any in-service injuries to current symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), finding no new and material evidence to reopen any of these claims. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence to establish direct service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development, including those related to various joint and musculoskeletal issues as well as tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, lactose intolerance, prostate cancer, and its residuals. The Veteran's service in the Persian Gulf is noted.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable evaluation for left ankle sprains has been granted, with an effective date of June 1, 2013. The disability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including right shoulder strain, ankle and knee disabilities, back disability, and hypertension. The case will be remanded to obtain new VA examinations and opinions.