Ankle decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for additional compensation for dependents, finding that the earliest applicable date was April 1, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen several of the Veteran's previously denied claims, but did not grant service connection for any of them.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is not service-connected.,Service connection for sleep apnea has been granted based on a diagnosis after service and exposure to burn pit smoke during service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and PTSD have been granted service connection. The Veteran's hypertension, right ankle condition, left ankle condition, and right hip condition are not currently service connected.

The Veteran's service connection for a left ankle disability is granted. The Veteran's right shoulder DJD status post surgical repair of labral tear, right elbow lateral epicondylitis and tendonitis, and left elbow lateral epicondylitis and tendonitis are all rated at the maximum schedular rating available. Other conditions have been evaluated based on their severity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, a back disability, and other conditions has been granted with an effective date of October 29, 2012. The appeal is denied for the remaining issues.

The Board has granted service connection for right ankle sprain and thoracic pain/arthritis, finding that the conditions had their onset during active duty service.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted, and a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied. Service connection for migraine headaches and chronic kidney disease are granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle and left foot problems due to inadequate notice of a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increase due to inadequate VA examinations. The cases are being returned for further development, including new VA examinations of his back, shoulder, and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted, and his right and left ankle disabilities are each rated at 20 percent. The decision also grants increased ratings for the right and left ankles.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his lower back condition and right ankle disability. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's claims for a right knee disability and a left knee disability. The claim of service connection for skin cancer is granted, but the issue of a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral elbow, wrist, knee, ankle disabilities and lumbar disability due to lack of compliance with prior remand directives. A VA examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for asthma, left ankle disability, hypertension, DDD of the lumbar spine, and left hip disability as there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including obstructive sleep apnea with COPD and irritable bowel syndrome, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and ankle disabilities, skin conditions, and hair loss. The cases are remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and to provide a new examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right knee and right ankle disabilities due to insufficient development. The Veteran's reports of symptoms will be considered, but a VA medical opinion is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service or aggravation by another condition.