Ankle decisions — 2021

The Veteran's initial 10% rating for right ankle fracture, postoperative is being remanded due to insufficient examination report and the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his left ankle disability (excluding a period from September 6, 2018 to November 30, 2018) was denied as he is already receiving the maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed for the issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee arthroscopy. The claim for PTSD was reopened, but service connection remains remanded due to insufficient evidence. Service connection for low back and right ankle conditions is also remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for new VA examinations to assess his current level of impairment from service-connected disabilities, including left ankle and left lower extremity venous statis and varicose veins.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right ankle condition, which may be related to her service-connected right knee disability.

From October 5, 2012 to August 6, 2019, a rating of 20 percent for the left ankle disorder was granted.,Prior to September 14, 2017, the Veteran's TDIU claim remains on appeal as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's left ankle strain was rated at 10 percent prior to December 30, 2019 and at 20 percent from that date. The Board denied higher ratings for both periods.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis (formerly patella femoral pain syndrome) is currently rated at 10 percent, and the claim for an increased rating has been denied.,Prior to October 5, 2020, the Veteran was granted a 10 percent evaluation for his achilles tendonitis, left ankle. From that date forward, the claim for an increased rating remains denied.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain with residuals of chronic ankle instability has been rated at 20 percent, but not higher. The Board found that the Veteran's condition approximated marked limitation of motion of the ankle.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, thus entitling him to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance. The issue of SMC based on being housebound is dismissed as moot due to the grant of SMC by reason of aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, BPH, sleep apnea, and several other conditions due to a lack of current diagnoses or credible evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,Service connection was granted for tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 28, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for fibromyalgia due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and incomplete records. The Veteran contends her symptoms began shortly after arriving at Midway Island, but a November 2020 examiner found no current diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. His eligibility for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and requests for authorization forms.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of increased disability rating for residuals of a total right shoulder arthroplasty, service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes insipidus, left elbow/left arm, right elbow/right arm, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left ankle condition, right ankle condition, and bilateral knees due to insufficient evidence in the medical opinions provided.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right ankle disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and low back disorder due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's testimony regarding in-service injuries is considered, but further medical opinions are needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his respiratory disorder, esophageal cancer, residuals of a gallbladder removal, and cellulitis of the right ankle and foot due to outstanding medical opinions and scheduling issues.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and medical opinions. The Veteran's claim for service connection for dyslipidemia was denied as it does not qualify as a disability for VA compensation purposes. Other claims are pending, including those for sleep apnea, back disability, hip disabilities, ankle disabilities, psychiatric disability, and inguinal hernia.