Ankle decisions — 2013

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include low back strain, fracture of the right tibia/fibula with hip pain and altered gait, right hip strain, ankle strain, and left hip degenerative joint disease, do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration due to insufficient medical opinions provided in previous examinations. The Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury is currently under review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a heart disability, gastrointestinal disability, or right ankle disability that is related to his service. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his right ankle disability and an opinion on whether he is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral knee and ankle disabilities. The Board finds that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions, as they may be related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for his service-connected left ankle disability is dismissed as there is no longer a question or controversy regarding the benefit sought.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records, complete VA examinations, and ensure compliance with the VCAA. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle strain began during his active duty service and is related to his right ankle disability, granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's left ankle tendonitis was granted a rating of 20 percent effective from June 18, 2010. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was reopened and granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various gastrointestinal and psychiatric conditions, as well as a crushed right foot with bone spur, are granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, bilateral knee and ankle disabilities, and a right fifth metacarpal fracture are denied. Service connection is granted for hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities were denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or a nexus to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right wrist disorder, to include carpal tunnel syndrome, and left ankle and foot disability were not incurred in service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic renal disease, manifested by edema of the lower extremities, was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty and is not related to such service.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development of the evidence, including VA examinations and updated treatment records. The Veteran's right knee, right ankle, bilateral hip disabilities are being evaluated to determine if they are secondary to his service-connected left knee and left ankle conditions.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected knee and ankle disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under applicable criteria.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to his active duty status and the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to evaluate his service-connected right ankle disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on peripheral artery disease of the left lower extremity and scars on the left ankle is being remanded to the RO. The Veteran currently has a 50% rating for PTSD, effective November 13, 2007.