Ankle decisions — 2012

The Veteran's right ankle disability was granted a 10 percent rating, and hypertension to a compensable level is presumed related to service. The issues of an extraschedular rating for the ankle disability and service connection for hypertension are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to further development of evidence being required. The appeal is not about service connection at all, but rather increased disability ratings for various knee and ankle conditions.

The Veteran's left ankle condition is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective from April 24, 2010. Prior to that date, the disability did not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and unspecified joint disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during active service, and may not be presumed to have been so incurred or aggravated.

The Board found that arthralgia of the bilateral ankles was not incurred in service or caused by a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran's gout of multiple joints, left ankle, left wrist, right wrist, left elbow, right elbow, left hand, right hand, left foot, and right foot have been granted increased disability ratings since June 4, 2010. The bursitis of the right knee has also been granted an increased disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of ileocecectomy, re-anastamosis and laparotomy have been granted a 10 percent rating. The left ankle disability remains at the 10 percent level.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right ankle condition is not related to service, including his right ankle complaints noted therein.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following some type of substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's IBS, hemorrhoids/polyps, and right ankle disability are related to his active service. The bilateral pes planus was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to establish the Veteran's service connection claims, including obtaining missing service treatment records and potentially reconstructing a possible in-service injury.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right and left lower extremity conditions are not related to his military service or a service-connected disability, thus denying his claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities and their relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left talonavicular arthritis and bilateral hearing loss, finding that these conditions had their onset during active service. The Veteran's claims are otherwise denied.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and found that the Veteran's current condition had its onset during active duty. The initial disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the right ankle remains unchanged.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for a back disability, left rotator cuff tear, and hypertension. The decision remains undecided on whether new and material evidence was received to reopen his claim of service connection for a left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disability, which led to a total ankle replacement, is service-connected. The issue of entitlement to service connection for any right foot disability, including as secondary to his right ankle disability, will be addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral leg, ankle, back, and foot disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that any of these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for right and left ankle disabilities. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical evidence, including VA treatment records and private physician statements.

The Board has determined that further development is required to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current low back, right ankle, and psychiatric disorders. The case will be remanded for examinations and additional development.