Ankle decisions — 2015

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the initial evaluations for diabetes mellitus type II, limited right hip flexion due to osteoarthritis and trochanteric bursitis, and right ankle injury with instability. The Board is dismissing these appeals.

The Veteran's bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees is found to be etiologically related to active service. The Board finds that new VA examinations are necessary to determine if his low back strain, cervical and neck strain, and bilateral ankle strains are etiologically related to active service or secondary to his now service-connected bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination. The claims will be returned to the Board after this development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee strain and right ankle sprain have been denied. The current ratings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic, identifiable left ankle disorder in service or currently. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a right ankle injury and amputation of the right foot and leg below the knee are denied as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence showing a current diagnosis of left ankle, right ankle, or left knee disorders. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's occasional right lateral ankle swelling is considered a manifestation of his service-connected residuals of a right malleolar fracture and right ankle arthritis. The claim for service connection for right ankle edema is dismissed due to the absence of a controversy at issue.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and arthritis of the elbows, back, knees, and ankles were not present during service or for many years thereafter and are not otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle condition, neuropathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) have been denied. The claim for service connection for a right foot condition remains pending as it was not adjudicated by the Board.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral orchitis and epididymitis, but granted it for a scalp laceration. The Board also denied service connection for left ankle disorder, hypertension, and dizziness.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and ensuring all pertinent treatment records are obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically a left ankle disorder and hearing loss. The evidence does not show any chronicity of these conditions since service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining information about his service in Korea and the 7th Ordnance Company.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip disability and granted service connection for disabilities of the bilateral hips, knees, ankles, and feet. The Veteran's arthritis is found to be related to his in-service obesity.

The Veteran's service-connected ankle disabilities are rated at the maximum allowable under current criteria, and no additional ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The effective date of the grant of a 60 percent rating for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension was not established as prior to October 5, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and finds that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is less likely than not incurred in or caused by his active duty service. The right eye condition claim is denied as there is no competent evidence linking it to service.