Ankle decisions — 2012

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability prior to August 29, 2006 based on insufficient evidence showing that her service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right ankle problems are at least as likely as not related to his in-service motor vehicle accident injury, and grants service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for the issues of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, and entitlement to initial compensable ratings for a right ankle scar and bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and determining whether an extraschedular rating should be assigned for his migraine headaches.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability necessitated continued convalescence from August 1, 2009 to September 15, 2009 and from January 1, 2010 to April 28, 2010. The temporary total rating for convalescence was granted based on the need for continued use of a cane due to severe chronic ankle pain. For the period from September 1, 2010 to August 24, 2011, the Veteran's right ankle disability required continued convalescence as evidenced by his inability to return to work and ongoing medical necessity for treatment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected varicose vein disorder and low back disorder cause or aggravate his bilateral hip, ankle, and/or foot disorders.

The Board has ordered a remand due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left ankle disability and its relationship to service-connected conditions. The case must be returned for further development, including obtaining an adequate VA examination.

The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected left ankle and left knee disabilities, which prevented him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment. The Board granted the claim for TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his left ankle condition is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, characterized by arthritis and painful motion without ankylosis, has not met the criteria for a higher rating than 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional VA and private treatment records, as well as SSA disability records. A VA examination will be scheduled for the Veteran to determine if his current left ankle and bilateral knee disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left ankle disorder was granted, with a current evaluation of 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of her medical records, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ankle disability and denied service connection for low back disability due to lack of evidence. The claim for left ankle disability is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a more comprehensive medical opinion and updated treatment records.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain and review the Veteran's SSA disability records, as well as his service personnel records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral ankle disability, right shoulder disability, and left foot disability have been denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, as well as a cervical spine disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.