Ankle decisions — 2008

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and issuance of an SOC regarding the right foot and ankle scar issue. The veteran's remaining claims for higher initial ratings for residuals of right foot trauma and right ankle trauma will also be readjudicated.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claims for right shoulder, wrist, foot, and ankle disorders are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding her periods of active duty training (ACDUTRA). The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The veteran's right ankle condition has resulted in almost total restriction to being seated or in a wheelchair, equivalent to loss of use of his right foot. He is granted an increased rating of 40 percent for residuals of the right ankle shrapnel wound and special monthly compensation for loss of use of the right foot.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a left ankle disability. However, additional development is needed before further adjudication can be made.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, but denied both his claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder. The Board found no evidence of a chronic gastrointestinal disorder in service and concluded that any current gastrointestinal disorder is not related to active military service. For the left ankle disorder, the Board determined there was no medical opinion linking the veteran's current condition to an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and hip disorders, as well as an increased rating for his right knee disorder, require additional development due to inadequate VCAA notice and need for a new examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his conditions are not related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicides.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral foot, left knee, and left ankle disabilities. The preponderance of the evidence is against these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disorder, an increased rating for bilateral leg stress fractures, and an increased rating for depression and anxiety.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability was denied. The RO granted a 10% rating for his left knee disability, but denied his request for an increased rating for hypertension.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further development of her service connection claims.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and secondary service connection were denied as his conditions are not rated higher based on the current criteria.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to his withdrawal of appeals seeking increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities. The remaining issues, including service connection for gastrointestinal disability, tinnitus, low back disability, and right ankle disability, are now pending.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple joint pains to include the neck, hands, ankles, heels, right shoulder, and right elbow. Service connection for depression is also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's case requires additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if her current disabilities are related to military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and providing VCAA notice.

The veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA/Workmen's Compensation clinical documentation.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to noise exposure during his military service. The appeal seeking service connection for a left ankle disability was withdrawn by the veteran.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic bronchitis, and hypertension. The right ankle disability claim is pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence in the medical record to establish a causal relationship between any current right ankle and bilateral foot disabilities and service.