Ankle decisions — 2014

The Board has found that the Veteran's left ankle disability, to include peroneal tendonosis with subluxation, is causally related to an in-service event, injury or disease. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical evidence and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to assess her current level of disability due to her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle laceration residuals are rated at 20 percent for limitation of motion and a separate 10 percent rating is assigned for having a painful scar. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of his separation from active duty and is not shown to be related to his service. The examiner opined that the current left hip disorder is less likely than not caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee and left ankle disabilities.,The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of his separation from active duty and is not shown to be related to his service. The examiner opined that the current left hip disorder is less likely than not caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claims were granted, with some issues receiving increased evaluations and others having effective dates assigned. The service-connected conditions include left wrist fracture, left ankle disability, asthma, and a skin disorder.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of the case as he is no longer alive.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis disabilities are not supported by the evidence of record, and thus have been denied.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was initially rated as non-compensable prior to March 15, 2011 and a rating in excess of 10 percent from that date is not warranted.,For the low back strain, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected cervical spine and right ankle disabilities, as well as their impact on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claim for a separate disability rating for mid-chest pain and shortness of breath is dismissed as the symptoms are already compensated by his service-connected thoracic spine disorder.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy was proximately due to, or the result of, his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were adjudicated, and the Board found that some issues warranted a grant of higher ratings while others did not. The mixed disposition reflects both granted and denied issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed left foot, ankle, and knee disabilities did not have onset during service or are not related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral knee and ankle disabilities, but denied his claim for a compensable rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist. The decision is based on the evidence showing that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals of increased ratings for his service-connected right ankle and left hip disabilities have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to determine the appropriate disability rating for his service-connected Reiter's syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from October 6 to October 9, 2009 at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center were for emergency treatment due to a significant injury and could not be safely transferred to a VA facility until his condition stabilized on October 9, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing before a member of the Board.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle osteochondral defect was pre-existing and did not undergo a chronic worsening beyond its natural progression during or as a result of service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.