Ankle decisions — 2012

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 80 percent, which meets the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU. However, the weight of medical evidence indicates that these disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disorders due to lead poisoning and is considering whether new evidence supports reopening these claims. The issues of service connection are mixed, with some conditions granted and others not.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle disability is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left ankle fracture was not caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment, or examination. The claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim and increased rating for right ankle sprain with ankylosis and arthritis need to be remanded due to the lack of a VA examination addressing his employability, and the incomplete SOC regarding the increased rating issue.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an examination to assess residual scarring. The claim will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability and right ankle strain, but denied the remaining claims. The Veteran's skin rash disability claim is referred to the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left ankle disorder, right foot disorder, and hearing loss disability are denied as there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative before a decision was made.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted an initial rating of 30 percent effective the date of claim, and his abdominal SFW residuals were granted a 10 percent rating. The left foot/ankle SFW residuals also received a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and SSA disability determination records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule VA examinations for his claimed conditions due to the failure of VA to schedule him during times he was available.

The Veteran's left ankle arthritis, a residual of a left medial malleolus fracture, is rated at 30 percent under the rating criteria for limitation of motion.

The Board has ordered the RO to take several actions, including obtaining medical records from providers and arranging for a VA examination. The case is being remanded to ensure these actions are completed.

The Veteran's left ankle fracture residuals have been manifested by tenderness, dorsiflexion to 10 degrees, and plantar flexion to 30 degrees; without further limitation of motion due to repetitive motion, pain, fatigue, weakness, or lack of endurance or incoordination after repetitive use. The residuals are productive of no more than moderate impairment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence. The issues include service connection for tinnitus, an increased rating for right knee disability, and a compensable rating for right ankle disability.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been rated at 10 percent for the entire rating period on appeal, and his motion is not more than moderately limited.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hip and knee disorders, as well as his bilateral ankle disorders, were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The disorders were also not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's right foot/ankle injury and right ankle sprain have been rated at 10 percent since February 6, 2002. The claims for higher ratings are denied.