Ankle decisions — 2015

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of additional evidence and a new VA examination. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right ankle disability remains on appeal, as does his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's left ankle strain has not been manifested by left ankle ankylosis at any time since March 14, 2014. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a current diagnosis of left ankle sprain, bursitis of the left hip, right elbow epicondylitis, subungal hematoma of the left thumb, or neck strain.,Service connection for these conditions was denied as the preponderance of the evidence is against their onset in service or association with service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for prostatitis, right ankle disability, and bilateral hallux valgus due to lack of evidence showing these conditions had onset or were caused by his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have led to his inability to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU effective January 31, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim. The issues include service connection for left ankle disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and right ankle disability.

The Veteran's chronic right ankle sprain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on functional loss due to pain or other factors. The disability is characterized by limited range of motion and occasional sharp pain with rotations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 24, 1998, for right ankle DJD in July 2006. The decision was based on the correct facts and application of law at that time.

The Veteran does not have a current low back, right knee, or bilateral ankle disability as a result of any disease, event, or injury during active service.,VA examinations and the Veteran's own testimony indicate that his disabilities are more likely due to aging/degenerative processes rather than in-service parachute jumps.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of SSA disability determination and information.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further examination. The case will be returned to the Board after all necessary development.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of entitlement to service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, and the propriety of the reduction in evaluation of bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability and finds that it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right ankle disability. Service connection is therefore granted.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance was denied because his knee and ankle braces are fabric-covered and do not tend to wear or tear clothing, as determined by the Under Secretary for Health.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance for an ankle brace and topical medication was denied as the brace does not tend to wear or tear clothing, and the topical cream is not prescribed for a service-connected skin condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims for service connection of left ankle, right ankle, left hip, and right hip disorders. However, as there is no current diagnosis or residuals from service-connected injuries, the claims are denied.

The Veteran's left ankle degenerative joint disease is not related to service, but he has a current right great toe fracture with residual degenerative joint disease and cervical spine degenerative disc disease.,Service connection was granted for the right great toe disability and cervical spine disability, but denied for the left ankle disability.

The Veteran's right ankle condition is not related to her service-connected right hip disability, or otherwise to active duty service.,The Veteran's sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is proximately due to, or the result of, her service-connected right hip disability.

The Veteran's left ankle condition, characterized as 'marked,' results in chronic pain, instability, tenderness, swelling, giving way, and limited motion. The Board concludes that the evidence does not support a higher rating than 30 percent for his service-connected left ankle disability.