Ankle decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected conditions (sleep apnea, PTSD, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes, residuals of left ankle fracture, hypertension, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and erectile dysfunction) cause damage to his clothing due to the use of prescribed braces. The Board granted a clothing allowance for the 2015 calendar year based on this evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle, low back, and knee disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his service-connected pes planus disability. As a result, these claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's claims for left ankle, right knee, and bilateral foot disabilities have been reopened. The claim for lumbosacral strain has been granted.,Service connection is denied for the left ankle disability as there is no evidence of a current condition or chronic impairment.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and service connection for his left ankle disorder were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting either claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied service connection for Bell's Palsy, as well as for various knee conditions, arthritis, and sprain/strain injuries. The claims are also remanded for further development regarding other issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, respiratory condition (allergies and/or asthma), right ankle disability, and left ankle disability due to inadequate examination opinions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle disabilities has been granted. The claim of service connection for left knee disability is reopened, but the claim of service connection for left ankle disability remains denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury, left knee disorder, psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, and headaches has been granted.

The Veteran's PTSD and right ankle, ligamentous laxity have not been rated higher than the assigned disability ratings of 70 percent and 10 percent respectively.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral ankle conditions, right ankle condition, and left ankle condition as the evidence did not support a medical nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's active duty service or his service-connected foot or knee disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral ankle disability and a low back disability, finding no current disabilities. The claim for psychiatric disability is remanded due to the need for an examination.,Service connection will be considered if there is evidence of a current disability that began during or was aggravated by service.

The Board has granted service connection for left eye blindness and Parkinson's disease, among other conditions. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for the remaining listed conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, abdominal aortic aneurysm, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory disorders, vocal cord dysfunction, bilateral knee and shoulder disorders, lumbar spine disorder, and scars. The development includes obtaining service personnel records for the Veteran's periods of active duty and National Guard service, as well as verifying any qualifying periods of service.,The Board also notes that the Veteran has contended that his conditions are related to hazardous exposures during his period of active duty, including exposure to jet fuel and chemicals. The AOJ should attempt to verify these claims and obtain VA medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was granted service connection effective February 13, 2007. The Board found that the claim could be reconsidered due to newly associated service treatment records.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and medical opinions are inadequate for decisional purposes, and thus remanding the cases for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder as secondary to a service-connected left ankle disability and denied increased ratings for the Veteran's left ankle and lower leg conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for right ankle, left ankle, right foot, and left foot conditions. The Board also granted service connection for these conditions based on evidence showing a link between the conditions and the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's seizure disorder, right hip disability, and left hip disability are granted as secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The Veteran is granted an increased rating of 20% for his left ankle disability after May 8, 2017.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a left ankle disability and remanded the issues regarding service connection for left foot disabilities due to lack of medical opinions on etiology.