Ankle decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability, knee disability as secondary to the foot disability, and ankle disability as secondary to the foot disability. The Veteran's preexisting pes planus did not increase in severity during service, so the presumption of aggravation does not apply. The Veteran's current hammer toes are not related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss, but denied for cervical spine DJD, hypertension, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left arm disorder, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder. The TBI, equilibrium disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease claims are also denied.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability and a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right ankle disability. The Board found that there was no direct evidence linking the disabilities to service or service-connected conditions, and that the current symptoms did not warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's tension headaches have been granted a 30% rating from March 2, 2016 to May 19, 2017. From May 19, 2017, the maximum schedular evaluation of 50% has been assigned.,The Veteran's TBI was initially rated noncompensable and increased to 10% from May 19, 2017. The current rating is still considered insufficient for a higher evaluation.,Left ankle tendonitis remains at the initial 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to initial disability ratings for left ankle strain, traumatic brain injury residuals, right shoulder disability, low back disability, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The Board finds it reasonably shown that the Veteran’s right ankle stress fracture is related to his service, but a remand is needed for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's initial rating for right ankle disability is denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for rib injury due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available for limitation of motion. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for chronic ingrown toenail of the right 5th toe, PTSD and major depressive disorder, and a right foot injury have been dismissed.,The Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for service connection for left knee arthralgia, right knee arthralgia, left ankle arthralgia, and right ankle arthralgia have been granted. The appeals for these issues are remanded.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right foot injury is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right ankle disability is being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to appear for a scheduled VA examination. The case will be returned for further development and scheduling of another VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, left hip disability, and right ankle disability. These conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision regarding service connection for the Veteran's bilateral ankle and foot disabilities can be made.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the claims for service connection for various foot and knee conditions, including bilateral shin splints, ankle disorders, pes planus, and low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to new evidence received after the last supplemental statement of the case. The Veteran is required to provide additional service treatment records and personnel records, as well as undergo VA examinations for his claimed disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia, an acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeal concerning bilateral hearing loss is dismissed due to the Veteran's representative withdrawing it. Other issues are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disorder and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence of current disabilities related to service.

The appeal on the issues of service connection for left and right foot drop is dismissed.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted. The denial of service connection for a low back disability by a May 1998 rating decision was not the product of clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on his low back strain and left ankle disability is dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of these issues. The case is remanded to schedule VA examinations and determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities, and to evaluate the impact of his disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's disability ratings for Right Shoulder Disorder, Neck Disorder, Back Disorder, Right Ankle Disorder, and Gastrointestinal Disorder were reduced from 10% to 0%. The reduction in the rating of scars was also granted.