Ankle decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the bilateral shoulders and joints, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to a 10 percent rating for his leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gouty arthritis of the bilateral feet and joint disabilities of the bilateral ankles, knees, and elbows are related to his in-service anthrax vaccinations. As a result, service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including shrapnel wounds and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), rendered him unemployable for the period from July 1, 2008 to October 28, 2008. The Board has granted a TDIU during this time.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for his right foot fracture was denied. The Board found no evidence of moderate residuals to warrant a higher rating, and the Veteran's right foot is currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain VA medical records and schedule a VA examination.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent, effective May 14, 2001. The lumbosacral strain with mild sciatica and right radiculopathy issue remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, tendonitis of the knees, and ankle disabilities due to lack of current disability.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various conditions and claims, including those related to his knee replacements, ankle disorders, carotid stenosis, and right leg wounds. The appeals were addressed in the context of rating decisions and effective dates.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal in its entirety.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right above-the-knee amputation, which he claims was caused by an ankle injury during active duty. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the etiology of his amputation.

The Veteran is granted service connection for residuals of an avulsion fracture of the left ankle and osteoarthritis of the left knee, both found to be directly related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and reconsideration of the claims, including obtaining a complete copy of the March 2003 VA medical examination report.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability, which was initially rated at 10 percent from September 26, 2005 to April 28, 2008 and increased to 20 percent thereafter, is now rated at 30 percent effective October 2, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current low back or right ankle disability that began during service and is related to any incident in service. As such, service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to his service-connected low back disability. The initial rating for arthritis of the right ankle was also denied.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist, bilateral knee, and left ankle disorders were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The VA examiner found no evidence of residuals from in-service injuries.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn by his representative in a letter dated in May 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including urinary incontinence, spinal stenosis, anxiety disorder, and others, have prevented him from securing and maintaining gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities was not shown to meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating prior to April 27, 2010. After that date, there is no evidence showing severe incomplete paralysis with marked muscle atrophy in either leg.