Ankle decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left knee, ankle, and foot disorders due to insufficient information and need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and denied the remaining issues. The appellant's tinnitus is rated at its maximum schedular rating, and his hypertension is considered presumptively related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine traumatic paravertebral myositis, right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right and left ankle strain, and chronic tonsillitis, have rendered him unemployable. The Board has granted a TDIU and established basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete service records. The Veteran's periods of active duty with the Michigan Army National Guard need to be verified.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and left ankle disability, and has awarded a 60% rating for bilateral hearing loss. The claim for increased rating of bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him incapable of performing the activities of daily living and require regular aid and attendance, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was rated at 10% prior to December 10, 2007 and increased to 20% thereafter. The tinea versicolor rating remained at 30% prior to May 20, 2004 and decreased to a higher percentage after that date.,The Veteran's right ankle disability was rated at 20%, the highest available under Diagnostic Code 5271 for limitation of motion. The tinea versicolor rating remained at 30%.