Ankle decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle and foot disabilities necessitated continued convalescence following surgery from April 28, 2010 to June 30, 2010. The Board has determined that a temporary total rating for convalescence is warranted.

The Board has determined that a left ankle disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and the incurrence or aggravation of arthritis of the left ankle during such service may not be presumed. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, including degenerative changes of the right navicular bone, is currently rated at 20 percent and no higher. The evidence does not show ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle arthritis, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether these disabilities are related to his active service.

The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disability, but granted an increased rating of 30 percent for PCOS with amenorrhea.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be the result of service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The claims for residuals of low back injury and right ankle injuries are not addressed as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection. The claim for nonservice connected pension benefits is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left ankle disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inaudible hearing and a need for a third VLJ's participation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed condition of flat feet (pes planus) or bilateral ankle disability, and therefore service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically for right ankle disorder, left shoulder disorder, and blurred vision.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left ankle disability, including whether it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected left foot disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle disability is related to his in-service injury, and therefore service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury, to include a left superficial peroneal injury, is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left shoulder and left ankle disabilities, but has dismissed his claim of residuals of pneumonia. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis with painful motion of the toes, ankles and knees is being remanded due to a lack of a VA examination. The examiner must determine if he has arthritis with painful motion of the toes, ankles, and knees, and whether it is related to his service-connected bilateral claw foot.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been granted a 10 percent rating effective September 9, 2008. His diabetes mellitus claim remains pending.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was not found to require regulation of activities prior to April 25, 2012.,Prior to April 25, 2012, the right foot disability did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records from July 2009 to August 2010. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left ankle disability and tarsal tunnel syndrome remains before the Board.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded to allow for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of the impact of his nonservice-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the current severity of his left ankle injury and updated treatment records.