Ankle decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various joint disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and degenerative arthritis of multiple joints (including ankles, knees, and feet), were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left ankle disability and posttraumatic headaches, have led to his inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has ordered further development of the employment history and requested information from SSA.

The claims for service connection for various conditions, including POTS, headaches, SVT, fatigue, joint pain/arthralgia, fibromyalgia, orthostatic intolerance, and chest pain have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation due to housebound status or need for aid and attendance is remanded. The Board finds it necessary to obtain a VA neurology examination to determine the etiology of left foot drop, which may affect eligibility for these benefits. Additionally, a new VA aid and attendance examination is needed.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for tendonitis of the left ankle has been granted. The case is remanded for further examination and evaluation regarding his epicondylitis of the left elbow.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral hip disability, and lumbar spine disability. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injuries and his current diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left ankle disorders due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for clarification regarding whether the Veteran's ankle pain is related to his service-connected low back disability or a separate condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining any form of gainful employment consistent with his work and education background.

The Board has granted service connection for right ankle, left ankle, right knee, left knee, and lumbar spine disabilities. The Veteran's symptoms of these conditions were present in service and have continued since then.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disorder and remanded the issues of service connection for left ankle, right ankle, cervical spine, and left knee sprain.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her left knee sprain are also being remanded.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's right ankle disability as of February 26, 2021. The previous claim was denied due to moderate limitation of motion before that date and marked limitation of motion after.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities was 60 percent, which did not meet the schedular threshold for a TDIU. The Board found that he had the mental and physical capacity to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings of PTSD and right ankle traumatic arthritis were dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and a lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives. The claims will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's right wrist disability is rated at 10 percent, and his left ankle disability is granted an initial rating of 20 percent effective December 18, 2014 (exclusive of the period for which a temporary total rating was assigned).

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right ankle disability is being remanded due to the submission of additional VA medical records since the last SSOC.

The Veteran's service-connected low back and right ankle disabilities, in combination, render him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU rating effective from August 3, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and right ankle sprain, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues are being returned for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and review of certain records.

The Veteran's initial rating for right knee disability remains at 10 percent.,The Veteran's initial rating for left knee disability remains at 10 percent.