Ankle decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension to include aid and attendance and housebound benefits is denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to his ability to perform daily activities independently.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, right knee, left knee, and right ankle disabilities. The case is remanded to consider a higher rating for the Veteran's mental health disability.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient findings from a previous VA examination regarding the Veteran's right and left ankle disorders. The examiner is required to provide detailed findings on the extent of impairment, including during flare-ups and repetitive use.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, left knee, and rotator cuff tendonitis of both shoulders disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that caused these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left and right ankle arthritis from January 22, 2018 due to inadequate VA examination.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate to resolve the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to service or were caused by his service-connected bilateral shin splints.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of his left ankle disorder is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. His claim for service connection of a left knee disorder has been granted and removed from appellate status.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings and service connection as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has decided the case in favor of the Veteran, finding that his sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected disabilities and will be remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded multiple service connection claims for various musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, as well as a claim for an initial disability rating for generalized anxiety disorder. The Veteran is to be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability. The claims for bilateral ankle disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for left ankle sprain and right knee pain (shin splints) was granted. The claim for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease is also granted.,Claims for service connection for hallux disability of the right foot, disability affecting the head of the metatarsal right big toe, left knee disability, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension were denied.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, the maximum under DC 5271. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no ankylosis or other conditions warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain is granted an initial rating of 20 percent. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle condition and bilateral foot calluses. The Veteran will need to provide updated medical records, and a VA examination will be conducted to address the nature and etiology of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for PTSD, a higher rating for left ankle disability, and TDIU due to insufficient evidence in some of the previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her left ankle disability, service connection for her left hip condition and back condition as secondary to her left ankle disability, and service connection for her pelvic condition as secondary to her left ankle disability. The AOJ will schedule appropriate VA examinations to address these issues.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle strain, sleep apnea, and insomnia. The claim for service connection of astigmatism is remanded as it was not addressed by a VA examiner.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's hypertension and bilateral foot disability claims were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.,Service connection for thoracic aortic aneurysm, chest pain, PTSD, lumbar spine arthritis, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral ankle swelling/disability, CAD, prostate cancer, chronic kidney disease, anemia, diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and obstructive sleep apnea were all denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.