Ankle decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been granted increased ratings, and he is now eligible for a TDIU.

The Veteran's left ankle disability, including the trimalleolar fracture and lateral talar subluxation, is not considered to be due to VA care or treatment. The decision concludes that no additional disability was caused by VA.

The Veteran's right hand capsulitis and left ankle strain with residual tendonitis are service-connected.,The Veteran's recurrent urinary tract infection is not service-connected, as it is already contemplated in the rating for prostatitis.,The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is service-connected based on its symptoms matching those of a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317(a)(2).,There was no specific rating assigned or effective date provided, as these are not issues in this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not begin during service and is not related to his service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis. The right ankle disability was not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated as 50 percent disabling, effective from the date of the grant of service connection. The initial noncompensable disability ratings for left hamstring strain and right ankle sprain have also been granted.

The Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, including the medications prescribed for such disabilities.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed emotional features is found to have its onset during active service. The right ankle disability claim requires additional development due to the need for a medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal, indicating she is satisfied with the decision made and wants to withdraw any remaining issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability, which causes marked limitation of ankle motion, warrants a 20 percent rating. The appeal is granted for this issue.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right ankle disability, low back disability and residuals of a left eye injury. The case is REMANDED to allow for additional examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate evidence regarding the Veteran's ability to work.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and records. The issues are whether the Veteran has bilateral knee, ankle, and foot disorders that are related to his military service.

The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral ankle or left foot disabilities, and the VA examinations do not support a finding that these conditions are related to service. The Board finds no evidence of a current diagnosis of a left foot disability.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected right ankle disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in an award of TDIU. The Veteran also received a temporary total disability rating for surgery performed on December 22, 2009.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's ability to work prior to January 2008.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a bilateral leg disability during service and denied his claim for service connection. The Board also noted that there was no evidence of continuity of symptomatology after service, and therefore denied his claim based on post-service continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's right ankle ligament ossification is granted, but the issues of service connection for back and knee disorders are remanded due to incomplete information or clarification needed.