Ankle decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, effective July 2013. The claim for an earlier effective date was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right lateral/medial epicondylitis and hyperlipidemia was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of these conditions.,Service connection for PTSD, thoracolumbar spine IVDS and degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left ankle sprain, cervical spine strain, right shoulder sprain, right shin splints, left shin splints, hemorrhoids, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome was denied. The Veteran's PTSD disability rating prior to September 27, 2012 was also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral hip disability, and bilateral ankle disability are all granted. The decision specifically addresses the bilateral hearing loss claim, finding that it is related to active service. For the bilateral hip and ankle disabilities, the Board determined there was no nexus between these conditions and either active service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia, left ankle sprain residuals, sinusitis, and left ventricular hypertrophy with AV block are all granted as service-connected. The flat feet, allergic rhinitis, shortness of breath, hypertension, and IBS are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and evaluation of the Veteran's left ankle sprain, as the current evidence is insufficient to determine an appropriate initial disability rating.

The Veteran's left clubfoot and ankle osteoarthritis were noted at service entry. The MEB found that the condition had been permanently aggravated by service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, finding that it is related to a left ankle injury sustained during service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, finding that it is related to a left ankle injury sustained during service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, depression, and tinnitus have been reopened. Service connection is granted for tinnitus but denied for chest problems/blood clot in lungs. Other issues are remanded.

The Board has determined that additional records are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection of various orthopedic disabilities, including bilateral wrist, lumbar spine, hands, hips, knees, ankles, and feet disabilities. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including a right ankle disability, back disability, bilateral hip disability, right leg disability, left ankle disability, bilateral foot disability, and left eye disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus, right hallux valgus, left ankle degenerative joint disease, and dermatitis (NOS), render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment since December 19, 2013.

Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted.,An initial rating of 10 percent for chronic low back strain and an initial rating of 10 percent for left ankle disability (status post left ankle fracture) are both granted, effective April 14, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis did not contribute to his death from congestive heart failure and diabetes.

The Veteran's combined disabilities do not meet the statutory minimum to qualify for a schedular TDIU. The issue of entitlement to an extraschedular TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back, right hip, right thigh, right knee, and right leg disabilities are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease resulting in these conditions.

The Veteran's scars are currently rated at 10% each, and the status postoperative stripping and ligation of greater saphenous vein is also rated at 10%. Both issues have been remanded for further review.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic subluxation of the left ankle and arthritis of the left knee and low back, did not render him unemployable prior to October 19, 2005.