Ankle decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's left ankle disability is related to his service-connected left foot disability and whether it is aggravated by that condition.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the issues of right shoulder, right knee, left knee, bilateral eye disorder, right ear hearing loss, and sinusitis has been withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for right foot/ankle arthralgias will be reconsidered in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder has been reopened, and he is now entitled to a compensable rating for his scars of the bilateral hands.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are being remanded as further development is needed to determine the current severity of his right knee disability, whether his ankle fracture is secondary to his knee condition, and if he qualifies for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle tendonitis is rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The claim for a higher initial rating has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including addressing the secondary service connection theory of entitlement and providing proper notice.

The Board has granted an effective date of February 20, 2003 for the total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's left leg and ankle impairment was not incurred or aggravated by service, as his preexisting poliomyelitis clearly and unmistakably did not worsen during service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than July 15, 1991 for service connection are not warranted as there is no indication of a pending claim prior to this date.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including left bunion surgery residuals, a broken left ankle, low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, female/gynecological condition (to include residuals of a tubal ligation; and a hysterectomy and/or residuals thereof), seizure disorder, and hypertension.

The Veteran's service connection for multiple joint and muscle pain, including fibromyalgia, has been granted. His left cubital tunnel syndrome is rated at 10 percent.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current left and right ankle disorders are not related to service, as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or event. The weight of the evidence demonstrates that any current bilateral ankle disability is more likely due to post-service occupational activities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the schedular criteria.

The Board determined that the Veteran's arthritis of the hips, knees, and ankles was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional VA treatment records and conduct a new VA examination for the Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities. The main issues are seeking increased disability ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for tinnitus and restoration of a right ankle disability rating. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and address the issues on appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle disorders, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to service or any incident therein.