Ankle decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right leg numbness and tingling has been withdrawn by the Veteran during a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for his service-connected right ankle disability, finding that a rating of 20 percent from May 7, 2008 to July 31, 2014 and 40 percent since August 1, 2014 is appropriate.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right ankle disability, which he claims is related to his active military service or his service-connected left knee disability. The case has been remanded due to the need for another VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for peptic ulcer disease. The Veteran's PTSD and left ankle disability are not related to his service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right and left hip conditions was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection for either condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the left knee and ankle, which is secondary to his service-connected residuals of fragment wound of the left thigh, has been remanded due to uncertainty regarding the relationship between these conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a right ankle disability that he claims is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary, including an examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the right ankle disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations, including a VA pension examination. The issues are whether she is entitled to nonservice-connected pension benefits and if her non-service-connected disabilities render her permanently and totally disabled.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and the retrieval of outstanding treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, diagnosed as left knee, right ankle, left ankle, bilateral hip, back, bilateral shoulder, bilateral elbow, bilateral wrist, and right knee disabilities, was aggravated beyond its natural course during his active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle condition, diagnosed as right ankle instability, was caused by his service-connected right knee condition. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of stress fractures in both ankles, heels, and shins are being remanded due to the Veteran's incarcerated status.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current left ankle disorder and that any such condition is not related to service. As a result, the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disability, including degenerative arthritis and small posttraumatic ossification adjacent to the left medial malleolus, is not related to service. The condition was not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50 percent since July 26, 2007.,The Veteran is also granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left wrist CTS is likely the result of his active service, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is warranted. The right hand disability claim remains pending as a new VA examination is needed to address whether it is secondary to his cervical spine disorder or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities. The claims of service connection for PTSD and traumatic brain injury are also being remanded.

The Board has granted a 40% rating for the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability, effective October 1, 2011. The Veteran is also granted service connection for his right hammertoe as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including reconstructing the Veteran's claims folder and obtaining a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and right ankle disabilities are not related to his service or a service-connected disability, and thus cannot be granted service connection.