Ankle decisions — 2015

The Veteran's case is being remanded for further development to address the nature and etiology of any right knee, ankle, or foot disability. The examiner should consider the service medical records showing stress changes on bone scan in November 2008, the February 2010 reserve service medical record, and the November 2010 and April 2014 VA examination reports.

The Veteran's right and left elbow disabilities are each rated at 10 percent, effective August 1, 2011. The RO has not granted any higher evaluations for these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a left ankle disorder and a left Achilles tendon disorder, finding no in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's current complaints are not related to his military service.,Service connection was granted for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), found to be due to undiagnosed illness during the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's left ankle strain has been rated at 10 percent since April 20, 2010. The Board finds that the disability does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before a decision can be reached on the merits of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus and left ankle fracture was initially denied due to the absence of service treatment records. The effective date has been changed from June 10, 2003, to August 4, 1979, based on new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hip disorder, degenerative changes of the lumbar spine (back disorder), and right ankle disorder. The Veteran's claims were previously denied but have been reopened due to new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and medical opinions to determine the etiology of his right knee disorder, right ankle disorder, and headaches. Outstanding VA treatment records are also requested.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and extent of the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability. The RO must ensure that any referenced medical evidence is located and reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and providing an opinion regarding the Veteran's employability given his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left leg disability, characterized by malunion of the tibia and fibula with attenuated soft tissue, soreness at fracture sites, and moderate ankle disability, has not met the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including PTSD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and undiagnosed illnesses. The case is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for a Board video-conference hearing at the El Paso VA facility as soon as possible after April 2015. The Veteran requested additional time due to obtaining new evidence and wishes to attend his hearing at the El Paso VA facility.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability and granted it, finding that new evidence supports the claim. The current right ankle degenerative joint disease is related to an in-service fracture.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was received to reopen the tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, right and left knee disability, left and right ankle disability, right and left wrist disability, and vertigo claims. However, hypertension and sleep apnea were not shown during or within one year after service and there is no competent medical opinion linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, back disability, stomach disability, left shoulder disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability have been reopened. The evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to service.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for a disability manifested by chest pain has also been reopened. The evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether this condition is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a left ankle fracture are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that the disability warrants an initial rating of 20 percent, based on marked limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection and rating of the Veteran's left elbow and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right ankle disability requires further development due to the need for an additional examination and clarification of whether he has ankylosis. The current evidence does not conclusively establish ankylosis, but suggests that range of motion is so diminished as to amount to the functional equivalent of ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 29, 2006 due to insufficient development and will be referred to the VA Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation and Pension Services for extraschedular consideration.