Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's abdominal scar and residuals from an accidental stab wound are rated as noncompensable, but the Veteran is not entitled to service connection for his pancreatitis, right knee condition, left knee condition, broken right ankle, broken right leg, or cervical arthritis.,There is no evidence of a current disability related to service-connected conditions that would support secondary service connection for any of these issues.

The Veteran's chronic residuals of hepatitis C have been granted service connection as a result of his in-service combat exposure to blood and enemy contact.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been established based on the Veteran's in-service exposure to acoustic trauma during combat, resulting from artillery fire and explosions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not related to his military service or any presumptive exposure. The VA examinations and medical records do not provide sufficient evidence to establish a direct link between the current diagnoses and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, left ankle, and lung/respiratory conditions have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or objective indications of chronic disability.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current left ankle disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn. The claims of vision loss, right ankle disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches, hearing loss, sleep apnea, Gulf War syndrome, deviated septum, and cystitis are dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional VA and private treatment records are needed, as well as another examination for the Veteran's right ankle strain, right and left foot disabilities, right and left knee disabilities, acquired psychiatric disorder, and sleep apnea. The appeal is REMANDED to obtain these records and examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed bilateral ankle condition and there is no evidence linking any current ankle disability to his period of active duty service. As such, the claim for service connection for a bilateral ankle condition is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions to address the severity of his left knee and ankle disabilities, as well as any current vein disability. The goal is to ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining appropriate ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder, left ankle fracture, and right ankle fracture have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left ankle and foot disabilities, have resulted in a combined evaluation of 80 percent. The Board has granted TDIU based on these disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left ankle fracture.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed as there are no remaining issues for review.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied as there is no evidence that he requires regular aid and assistance from another person due to service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a broken right ankle. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are being remanded as they may impact the decision on his other claims.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, but not higher, throughout the appeal period.,The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, right ankle arthritis with ligament reconstruction, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and a right ankle scar, rendered him unable to dress or undress himself, attend to his personal hygiene, manage his finances or medications, walk, relieve himself without assistance, and protect from hazards. The Board finds that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including depression and PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a link between current symptoms and in-service stressors. Service treatment records do not indicate any complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions. The Veteran's current psychiatric condition is being treated through counseling but does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral ankle disability. For his neck and back disabilities, as well as hypertension, service connection is denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any presumptive exposure basis.