Ankle decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain service treatment records, arrange for examinations, and ensure that the claims are adjudicated on a complete evidentiary record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing before the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania RO.

The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for arthritis of the knees and ankles, as the Veteran's assertions were not supported by medical evidence. The June 1999 rating decision remains final.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including post-operative residuals of a fractured right distal tibia and fibula, lumbar DDD, patellofemoral arthritis of the right knee, residual scar on the right ankle, and osteoarthritis of the right foot, have been found to be so disabling as to preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of otitis media, left ear; back disability; or ankle disability. The claims for these conditions were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining outstanding medical records and providing a VA examination. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle, low back, right knee, and right shoulder disorders. The diagnoses were not supported by evidence showing a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right knee, right ankle, left ankle disabilities and PTSD. The claims for reopening previously denied left knee and PTSD were granted due to new evidence received.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder is likely aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities. The left eye trauma may be related to a foreign body in the eye during service, but no current diagnosis has been established. His hearing loss is presumed to have occurred due to noise exposure in service. The right flank injury is not believed to be related to service.,The Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder is likely aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities. The left eye trauma may be related to a foreign body in the eye during service, but no current diagnosis has been established. His hearing loss is presumed to have occurred due to noise exposure in service. The right flank injury is not believed to be related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining clarification from the Veteran regarding his treatment and where he received treatment in service. The Veteran is also required to provide information about his current treatment for sciatic nerve issues and lower back pain.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder is characterized by arthritis and limitation of motion. The Board found that the evidence did not indicate marked limitation of motion, thus a higher initial rating for his service-connected right ankle disorder was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left shin or right ankle disability. The claim for service connection for back disability is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his military service.,There is no evidence of a hip condition during or after military service, and the current hip conditions are not considered service-connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete service treatment records and need for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the evidence does not support a grant of service connection for COPD, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, diabetes mellitus, or head injury. The Veteran is entitled to increased evaluations for focal pain syndrome with severe migraine headaches and post-traumatic scar of the left forehead.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the issues, including obtaining additional medical records and addressing whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for erythematous multiforme.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing before the Board.

The Board has determined that additional development of the evidence is required to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining missing service treatment records from Germany.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.