Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's appendectomy scars are rated at 20 percent, and the ankle disabilities are remanded for further evaluation. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

Service connection is granted for right ankle degenerative changes status post syndesmosis injury with open reduction and internal fixation, effective December 10, 2014.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability (asthma), low back disability, penile disability, and testicular disability are remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder and tinnitus should be remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has determined that the development conducted does not comply with the October 2017 Board remand. The Veteran's last known mailing address and phone number have been updated, and VA examinations are scheduled for various disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's ankle condition is related to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain and left ankle degenerative arthritis are rated at the maximum available under VA regulations, with no higher ratings due to lack of ankylosis or other specific criteria.,Service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability is denied as it pre-existed service. Service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's left ankle disability has been rated at 10 percent since April 28, 2000. The Board found that the evidence did not show marked limitation of motion during any part of the appeal period and thus denied a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a groin disorder and low back disorder were granted. The left shoulder, hip, and ankle disorders were denied.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, characterized by chronic sprain and degenerative arthritis, has been rated at 20 percent since the initial rating decision. The Board found that it more nearly approximated a severe limitation of motion.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective July 31, 2020. The appellant is eligible to receive attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the October 2020 rating decision.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and left ankle disability cause incapacity requiring aid and assistance on a regular basis. SMC due to the need for Aid and Attendance (A & A) is granted, but the claim of entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate is denied. SAH and SHA are also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ankle disability or left knee arthritis related to service. The claims for right knee and cervical spine disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, coronary artery disease, and hypertension due to inadequate opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, left ankle condition, and peripheral edema due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not render her unemployable, and she was employed on a full-time basis prior to January 3, 2016. Effective January 4, 2016, the Veteran is granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a 40% rating, but not higher. The left ankle and great toe disabilities are denied ratings in excess of the current 20% and 10%, respectively. Service connection for glaucoma is remanded. Other issues on appeal are also remanded.

The Veteran is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, including chronic adjustment disorder with alcohol use disorder, right foot disability, left foot disability, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, GERD, and left foot scar. The Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's left knee disability has not more closely approximated the criteria for a higher rating during the appeal period.,Prior to November 8, 2013, the Veteran's left ankle disability did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent. From November 8, 2013 onwards, the Veteran's left ankle disability more closely approximated marked limitation of motion and warrants a maximum schedular rating of 20 percent.

The Board has denied service connection for hernia disorder, bilateral hearing loss, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, and right knee disorder. The Veteran's claim for service connection of a psychiatric disorder is remanded.,Service connection was not granted for the claimed conditions as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease that could be linked to these disorders.