Ankle decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, as well as left knee disability have been granted.,An increased rating of 70 percent has also been granted for the Veteran's depressive disorder.

Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.,Claims to reopen service connection for erectile dysfunction, left shoulder disability, and right knee condition are granted.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including TBI and PTSD. The AOJ is instructed to review all new evidence since the last statement of the case and determine if any benefits can be granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 100% disability rating, effective October 16, 2017.,An earlier effective date for service connection of PTSD is denied.,Service connection for back disability is not reopened and remains denied.,Service connection for bilateral knee disability is not reopened and remains denied.,Service connection for bilateral ankle disability is not reopened and remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and left ankle impairment are not related to his service-connected left knee condition, and thus denied these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and denied earlier effective dates for bilateral knee strain and right ankle condition. The Veteran's current sleep apnea is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person (SMC-AA) or at the housebound rate is remanded due to inadequate medical evidence in the record.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination. The Veteran's tension headaches are not considered to be prostrating, thus denying a compensable rating. Service connection is remanded for right knee, right shoulder, right ankle, and left wrist disabilities. An initial compensable rating for nasal polyps is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating in the earlier period (October 20, 1995 to July 30, 1996) for his lower back disability and denied service connection for left ankle DJD prior to March 7, 1996.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral flat feet, right and left ankle disabilities, and a left knee disability due to service connection. The issues are related to whether these conditions were aggravated by service or if they pre-existed service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining medical opinions on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder condition, left ankle condition, and bipolar disorder. The claims are also being remanded due to a lack of evidence regarding service connection.

The Veteran's left ankle disability with degenerative joint disease, along with her PTSD and sleep apnea, are rated at 20 percent each. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating or TDIU due to these service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability does not meet the minimum threshold for a TDIU, as it is not rated at least 60% and combined with other disabilities does not reach 70%. The Board finds that his unemployability is due to multiple factors including obesity, bipolar disorder, and non-service connected conditions.

The Board granted service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis (lumbar spine disability), asthma, and tension headaches. The effective dates were assigned based on the Veteran's requests.,The earlier effective date of April 30, 1999 for the grant of service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis was granted as requested by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hand and wrist disabilities, as well as the reopening of a claim for service connection for bilateral ankle disability due to inadequate previous examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for further medical opinion regarding the right ankle disability. The Veteran's representative is asked if they wish to continue with the current claim, and any relevant treatment records are to be obtained.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for low back pain condition, left ankle condition, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to the need for updated medical records and examinations.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to incomplete records and the need for further verification of the Veteran's Reserve service periods.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection claims for various joint and back pain conditions. The Veteran's STRs are to be obtained, and VA medical opinions are needed to address the etiology of these conditions.