Ankle decisions — 2013

The Board found that the Veteran's right foot and ankle disorders are not related to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for SMC purposes.

The Board found that the Veteran has residuals of a right ankle sprain incurred during service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's left ankle fracture was not caused by VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment and thus the criteria for 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 compensation benefits have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability and low back strain do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, thus his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, claimed as pes planus with heel disability, and his left ankle disability are not service-connected. The evidence does not show an increase in severity of pes planus during service or a relationship between current foot disabilities and service.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle disabilities are not related to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's arthritis of the right ankle is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available for this condition. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would justify a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current right or left ankle disability that is related to her service, and therefore denied her claims for service connection. The same applies to her multiple arthralgias (bilateral hand, knee, and hip conditions).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various ankle, knee, and spine disorders have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability that was incurred or aggravated in service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of 38 C.F.R. § 3.321(b). The claim will be reconsidered and a supplemental statement of the case will be issued.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder disability, left ankle disability, and head injury manifest with headaches and dizziness was denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ankle disability is being remanded due to the need for an additional examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his condition, including on a secondary basis.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's service treatment records and requested a legible copy of his entrance examination. The appeal will be returned to the RO for further consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure a complete record upon which to decide his claims, including VA examinations and the provision of all necessary records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a left ankle disability. However, the Veteran's current cuboid exostosis is not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities with bilateral Charcot deformities and degenerative joint disease of the ankles and feet result in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, allowing him to be granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his right ankle strain, right foot strain, and right ring finger scar have been denied. The VA has determined that the disabilities do not warrant higher initial ratings based on their current manifestations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his morphine addiction and pain management, caused or contributed to his death by overdose. Therefore, the cause of death is deemed service connected.

The Board has denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed right ankle, right foot, left ankle, and left shoulder disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.