Ankle decisions — 2014

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a rating of 70 percent effective May 2010, and his left ear hearing loss claim remains denied. The right ankle disability claim has been reopened due to new evidence received since the last denial in March 2008.

The Veteran's cervical spine stenosis and right ankle degenerative joint disease are being remanded for further examination as the current VA examiner did not address his claims of service connection based on in-service injury or aggravation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture, to include arthritis, was denied as there is no evidence that the current condition is related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's skin disorder, neck disorder, kidney disorder, prostate disorder, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, lumbar spine disorder, and residuals of a right testicular injury.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as it pertains to the character of discharge from October 24, 1997 to May 12, 2000 due to the appellant's agreement with the administrative determination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current left lower extremity disability, as well as an evaluation to determine the severity of his service-connected fracture of the left second metatarsal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development of his claims due to the need for clarification on the current status of his prostatitis, left ankle disability, and cellulitis of the chin.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist and elbow disorders have been granted.,The Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine and right knee disabilities are being remanded.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for low back, left hip, and psychiatric disabilities. However, the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records, SSA records, and private medical records. The Veteran will be provided a new VA examination for his right knee disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the hands and back, prostate cancer, a skin disorder, and a right ankle disability. The appeals were based on direct evidence rather than any presumption or exposure to hazardous substances.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic arthritis of the left and right ankles, do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to ensure an informed decision regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, as well as his claim for a higher rating for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left ankle was rated at 10% prior to November 11, 2011. After a VA examination and considering his symptoms including marked limitation of motion, he is now entitled to a 20% rating for this period.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claims for old granulomatous disease of the lungs, a recurrent left foot heel spur and residuals thereof, degenerative joint disease of the right thumb, right ankle, and left ankle are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and tendonitis disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for dependency allowance for a spouse is denied as the earliest possible effective date is November 1, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of left ankle disability remains pending as it involves a secondary relationship.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary in order to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death. The appellant must provide information about medical providers who treated her husband prior to his death, and VA will attempt to obtain these records.

The Board has determined that there are no current disabilities related to the Veteran's claimed respiratory disorder, lower back disorder, peripheral neuropathy, right ankle disorder, or left ankle disorder. As such, service connection is denied for all issues on appeal.