Ankle decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim is for an increased rating for his service-connected left ankle disability. The Board finds that additional evidentiary development is necessary before it can adjudicate the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, as well as further development of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic right elbow disorder, left foot disorder, or pain in both calf muscles resulting from undiagnosed illness during service. Service connection was also not granted for cardiovascular disease. For the ankle condition, a compensable rating prior to August 2, 2010, and an increased rating as of that date were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Appellant is also to be scheduled for a VA medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of his cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, and right ankle disability.

The Veteran's left ankle arthritis prior to February 15, 2008 was manifested by pain and limited range of motion. The disability warranted a 10% rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The effective date of the grant of service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, left and right medial collateral ligament strain, and limitation of motion of the right and left knee was assigned as July 31, 1993.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or retaining employment, consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral knee or ankle disorders and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted it. The issues of service connection for left foot neuropathy as secondary to service-connected conditions, and a left ankle disorder are remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and low back disorders due to incomplete VA examination reports, lack of relevant treatment records, and failure to provide adequate opinions regarding aggravation.

The Board has remanded the claims due to issues with obtaining inpatient hospital records and converting the Veteran's separation audiogram. The case will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and further development is needed.

The Board has determined that the VA examination report is not in substantial compliance with the directives of the November 2012 and July 2013 Board remands. The case must be again remanded for an adequate VA opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left ankle disability was granted, effective November 20, 2008. Service connection for the right ankle disability was also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The appellant withdrew his appeal, resulting in its dismissal.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder appeal has been withdrawn.,Service connection for a kidney disorder (chronic kidney stones) is denied as the condition is considered a congenital defect and not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and any other relevant evidence. The issue of his entitlement to an increased disability rating for left ankle, residuals of left medial malleolus fracture will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his right ankle and left knee disorders, including whether they are related to service.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence of a current right ankle disability or left ankle osteoarthritis, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.