Ankle decisions — 2013

The Board has scheduled a Travel Board hearing for the Veteran. However, due to inclement weather and lack of transportation, the Veteran was unable to attend the previously scheduled hearing. The case is now being returned to the RO to reschedule the hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left lower extremity disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an opinion on the etiology of his current disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his right ankle disability was denied. The Board found that the current evaluation of 20 percent already reflects the severity of his symptoms, including pain and instability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development regarding his claim of service connection for a bilateral ankle disability, to include as secondary to other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral aphakia, shrapnel wound to the right upper leg, CAD, and other conditions, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the appellant's claims, including obtaining his Social Security Administration records and service treatment records from all periods of active duty. The VA will also schedule a VA examination to determine if any diagnosed disabilities are related to service or undiagnosed illness due to Southwest Asia service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle, left heel, and right heel conditions are not service-connected as they are not caused or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, finding that it is not at least as likely as not related to his active duty or due to or aggravated by a service-connected condition. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of right ankle fracture was also denied, and the TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an updated assessment of his employment handicap and eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his right ankle disability and the etiology of his left upper extremity disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an extra-schedular rating and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support entitlement to an extra-schedular rating, as no unusual or exceptional disability picture had been demonstrated. For TDIU, the combined evaluation of 80% met the minimum requirements but the Veteran's service-connected disabilities were deemed insufficient for a finding of unemployability.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a left ankle disability due to disease or injury incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various disorders, including knee, foot, ankle, nose, and eye problems. The Board has ordered remand to obtain additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of (at least) 70 percent for PTSD since August 31, 2004.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disorder, low back disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The decision is final as it was issued in June 2002.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder is due to palindromic syndrome/inflammatory arthritis, a disability of unknown etiology. The Board finds service connection is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left foot and right ankle conditions.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current back, right ankle, and skin conditions, as well as her gynecological conditions. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right foot/ankle disability, specifically degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, was denied as there is no competent evidence showing current diagnosis or a link to his active service.