Ankle decisions — 2015

The Board found no current diagnosis of a left ankle or neck disability and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for dermatitis, finding that the Veteran's current skin disability had its onset during his active service. The issues of increased initial ratings for right knee strain and right ankle strain are also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disorder, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his in-service injury. The right ankle disorder issue remains pending and must be remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records review. The issues of service connection for headaches, ankle tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, knee disorders, and chronic bronchitis are pending.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claims for service connection were not substantiated by the evidence of record. The Board found that there was no direct or secondary service connection for any claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital on January 2, 2013 was denied as the evidence did not meet the requirements for emergency treatment under VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to assess the nature and etiology of any current ankle disorder and left toe disorder, including whether they are related to his service-connected left foot disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities, considering all relevant factors including his education and occupational background.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, left shoulder disability, and right ankle disability, collectively preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran does not have any of the claimed disabilities, and there is no evidence that these conditions are related to his service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic left ankle sprain was reopened based on the submission of new and material evidence. The claims for service connection for a left knee condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder were granted.

The Veteran's initial compensable/increased evaluations for his service-connected disabilities have been granted, with effective dates ranging from July 7, 2006 to October 15, 2012.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right ankle disability was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the medical records do not indicate any diagnosed condition related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and the identification of additional post-service treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD, left knee disability, right knee disability, right hand and finger disability, bilateral ankle sprains, and bilateral elbow disability are not service-connected. The VA examiner found no evidence of these conditions in service or related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and unresolved etiology issues.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the withdrawal of his appeal for PTSD and other issues will be reconsidered.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and left hip arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his military service. The left ankle disability was not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling a VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the left knee has been reopened and granted. The Board finds that his arthritis became manifest to a degree of at least 10 percent within one year from the date of separation from service, meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection under VA regulations.