Ankle decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and thus the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for left ankle sprain and low back disability, both of which were previously denied as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including affording her with VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any current right shoulder disability, frostbite residuals of the nipples and toes, bowel disability, and left knee, ankle, and right ankle disabilities. The Veteran is also requested to be afforded another opportunity to appear for an examination to determine the etiology of any current right shoulder disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left ankle sprain, an increased disability rating for IBS and colitis, and a higher initial disability rating for chronic maxillary sinusitis.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent effective January 3, 2013. His headaches are service-connected as secondary to his neck strain.

The Veteran's discharge from service was due to a pre-existing right ankle disability that worsened during basic training, resulting in his being discharged for convenience of the government. As he is now service-connected for this condition, he meets the criteria for VA home loan benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and there is no evidence linking his tinnitus or left ankle injury to service. The Veteran's claims were denied as the preponderance of the evidence did not support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new examinations and consideration of her TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, do not meet the criteria for service connection as they are not shown to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a right ankle sprain, left hip sciatica, and migraine headaches have been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral ankle disability and arthritis of the ankles were not incurred or aggravated by active service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities and new claims. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the issuance of a Statement of the Case on certain issues, including those involving sleep apnea and hemorrhoids/dizziness.

The Board has ordered additional development as requested by the Veteran, including obtaining VA treatment records and any relevant medical records from St. Mary's Hospital in Tennessee.

The Board has granted service connection for right ankle strain with DJD, right knee DJD, and left knee DJD. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain relevant VA treatment records and for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle arthritis is related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Board found no evidence of a current bilateral ankle disorder and determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral ankle disorder is not related to his service. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current painful right ankle did not have onset during his active service and was not caused by a right ankle injury during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury is denied.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and dysthymia, left lower extremity disorder (chronic left ankle sprain with local superficial nerve entrapment), degenerative disk disease and/or stenosis of the cervical and lumbar spine, and right upper extremity disorder (radiculopathy) are all found to be related to her active service.