Ankle decisions — 2013

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in total social and occupational impairment since January 30, 2007. The Board grants a 100 percent rating for PTSD effective from January 9, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability is related to an injury sustained during a period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) in 1982, and service connection for residuals of a right ankle sprain is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating on an extra-schedular basis for residuals of a left ankle injury, evaluated as 40 percent disabling from July 12, 2012, has been denied.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to arthralgia/arthropathy or left arm and ankle disabilities, as the Veteran's subjective complaints were not substantiated by documentation. The previously service-connected left clavicle fracture did not cause or contribute to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is etiologically due to his diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy, warranting service connection. The arthritis of the feet and ankles did not have its onset in service or within one year of discharge and is not shown to be etiologically related to service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a bilateral hand disability, left ankle disability, urolithiasis, or skin disability (chronic urticaria).

The Board found that the appellant's discharge from service was due to willful and persistent misconduct, which constitutes a bar to VA benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, as well as his request for an increased rating for a left knee disability, have been denied. There is no current evidence of any chronic ankle or knee disability.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal before a decision was made.

The Veteran claims compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for injuries to his right hand, arm and ankle resulting from a fall at a VA facility on September 6, 2011. The case is being remanded for additional development including obtaining medical opinions regarding secondary disability.

The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for low back strain since June 8, 2010. The Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep disability and increased evaluations for left ankle sprain were also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle disability, cervical spine disabilities (both periods), and left shoulder disability. The evidence did not establish a chronic or new condition during active duty.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, or on account of being housebound has been remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule him for a VA examination. The issues include service connection for bilateral hip, knee, and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, prior to April 12, 2011, was characterized by moderate limitation of motion. Since April 12, 2011, the disability has been productive of marked limitation of motion but not ankylosis.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total rating based on surgical or other treatment necessitating convalescence associated with his service-connected left ankle disability has been denied as the evidence does not show that he was entitled to such a rating beyond the specific time periods from March 9, 2005, to April 30, 2006, and so on.

The VA determined that there is no current disability of the right and left ankles, as evidenced by a normal physical examination and X-rays. The Veteran's reports of ankle pain are not supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the claim for a higher rating remains denied. The Board also granted reopening of his PTSD claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for postoperative left ankle degenerative joint disease and hypothyroidism, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left ankle disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.