Ankle Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right foot and ankle disabilities, including a lack of VA examination and private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including significant mental health and physical conditions, have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial employment. Therefore, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of his bilateral shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle conditions and migraine headaches are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for other specified depressive disorder with other specified anxiety disorder was denied as the symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating.,Service connection for renal insufficiency was denied because there is no evidence of current renal dysfunction and the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of renal insufficiency.

The Board has granted service connection for sciatica of the bilateral lower extremities and denied service connection for left ankle sprain.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and further review is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board denied service connection for a left ankle condition and a left hamstring tear as there was no evidence of current disability during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and PTSD due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions. The lumbar spine, thoracic spine, and left ankle disabilities are also being remanded.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of various conditions, including Lyme disease, respiratory disability, endocarditis, gall bladder condition, chronic diarrhea, urinary stricture, and joint pain. Service connection was granted for a neurological disability due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for tension headaches is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded due to the need for a new VA audiological examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, left ankle disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, carpal tunnel syndrome of the hands, low back disorder, hypertension, varicose veins, pulmonary sarcoidosis, and left foot disorder are all remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, right ankle disorder, right knee disorder, right foot disorder (pes planus), and right varicose veins are not addressed as they do not involve secondary service connection.

The Board denied service connection for headaches as the Veteran did not present evidence of a current disability and no nexus to service. The right ankle rating was reduced from 20% to 10%, but restored due to lack of proper procedural steps.,For the period prior to April 27, 2016, the Veteran's TDIU claim was granted as his disabilities affected a single body system and were severe enough to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been granted service connection.,Other conditions, including right hand surgery residuals, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, left flexor hallucis longus tendonitis, and right flexor hallucis longus tendonitis, are also granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ankle disability, and thus service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied, while his right ankle disability rating reduction from 30% to 10% was granted. The decision is mixed as it addressed both issues.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a left ankle disability was dismissed. The Board also remanded several issues of service connection, including for lower back, right shoulder, right hip, right ankle, bilateral knee, and bilateral foot disabilities.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ankle disability, finding no chronic left ankle condition shown in service or within one year post-service. The VA examiners' opinions against a nexus between current left ankle arthritis and service were considered probative.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, right hand condition, LCL sprain of the left ankle, and denied service connection for scoliosis. The effective dates remain pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to new and relevant evidence added to the record since the most recent Supplemental Statement of the Case in June 2018.