Ankle decisions — 2012

The Veteran's right ankle disorder, claimed as the residuals of a ruptured right Achilles tendon, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, degenerative joint disease of the left ankle, and degenerative joint disease of the right ankle (secondary to left ankle), as well as glaucoma and cataracts. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his period of active duty.

The VA has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ankle condition, and no other service-connected conditions are linked to his claimed disabilities.,VA examinations found diagnoses of medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint, lumbar degenerative disc disease, and lumbar osteoarthritis. The Veteran reported experiencing pain in his shoulders and elbows during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of both knees and ankles is not service connected, as there is no evidence showing it was incurred or aggravated during his active duty service. The claim for secondary service connection due to diabetes mellitus is also denied.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to a TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues involving service-connected malaria and a left ankle disorder. The Veteran's claims for increased rating for malaria and service connection for a left ankle disorder are also being adjudicated.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need to clarify his periods of active duty. The Board will address these issues in a subsequent decision.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been granted a 20% rating since December 21, 2011. The other claims for increased ratings have also been granted.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, which includes a fracture and arthritis, is currently rated at 30 percent combined. The claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle and right knee disorders, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's current arthritis of multiple joints other than both knees, both shoulders, the lumbar spine, the right ankle, and the left elbow is not related to his military service or any incident therein.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a Travel Board hearing. The Veteran's appeal is not yet decided.

The Veteran's left ankle strain/sprain and lumbar IVDS, with facet syndrome and radiculitis, are found to be related to service. The COPD is found to be due to a now service-connected disability.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been granted with a 10% rating, effective from the date of claim. The service connection for his right leg disorder was reopened and is currently pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right or left ankle disability that had its onset in service or was caused by his active military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of reopening previously denied claims for service connection for various knee and ankle disabilities, as well as dizziness and headaches. The Veteran is to be scheduled for a new hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of her claims, including obtaining additional medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of her right ankle, right knee, and low back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and additional verification of active duty periods. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability, including tarsal tunnel syndrome, will be reconsidered after obtaining all necessary information.

The Board has determined that an extraschedular rating for the Veteran's right ankle disability is not warranted due to lack of evidence of frequent hospitalization or marked interference with employment.

The Veteran's death was caused by multiple conditions including congestive heart failure, chronic renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and other health issues. The right knee degenerative joint disorder and subsequent above-the-knee amputation are considered contributory causes of his death.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, right knee, and cervical and lumbar spine disabilities. The decision is mixed as some issues were denied while others are pending.