Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for TBI, low back disability, sleep apnea, skin disability (folliculitis), and right ankle/foot disability have been granted. The Board found that the evidence supported these determinations based on sound medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right knee and left ankle disabilities are not related to service, including parachute jumps during service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board found no service connection for an ankle disorder or bunions of the toes/feet, and denied these claims as not related to service. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated based on its severity.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, and he is not bedridden. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back, bilateral ankle, and bilateral foot disorders were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability. The evidence does not support a finding of causation or aggravation.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II and its related complications. The Veteran's other claims are also supported by the evidence.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right ankle replacement that he claims is secondary to his already service-connected left ankle disability. The case has been remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions have not warranted an increased rating in any of the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the right ankle/foot was not incurred in or is not related to an in-service injury. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding that his current disability is due to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities are productive of pain, with marked limitation of motion. The criteria for an increased rating of 20 percent have been met for both ankles.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ankle disability related to an in-service injury and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's knee and ankle conditions have been rated based on their current functional limitations, with the right knee receiving a 10 percent rating for instability and the right ankle receiving a 10 percent rating. The ratings are considered appropriate given the Veteran's symptoms and physical findings.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain was rated at 10% prior to September 3, 2013. Since then, the rating has been increased to 20%. The increase is due to marked limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to address her fatigue and any related conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not resulted in permanent and total disability that would qualify him for specially adapted housing or home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated as 50 percent disabling since September 1, 2011. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether this rating has been warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disorder is related to his service-connected left knee disability and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.