Ankle decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD, lichen simplex chronicus, and degenerative joint disease of the right ankle were denied. The current ratings for these conditions are 30 percent for PTSD, 30 percent for lichen simplex chronicus, and 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right ankle.

The Veteran's ankle disabilities have been rated at 10 percent each since October 2008. The Board has granted increased ratings to 20 percent for both ankles, effective from October 2008. However, the claim of entitlement to a TDIU remains pending and must be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, finding no competent medical evidence of current diagnoses or a link to military service.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and verifying periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA. The appellant's right ankle and left knee disabilities may be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding records from the Social Security Administration and incomplete service personnel records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities are primarily manifested by symptoms of pain, swelling, weakness, and flareups resulting in moderately limited motion. The claims for higher ratings have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and temporary total evaluations due to his right ankle surgeries have been granted. The initial evaluation for the right ankle sprain remains at 20%.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right ankle disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for migraines, left ankle disability, back disability, and bilateral knee disabilities have been granted. The claim for PTSD has not been reopened.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection are not addressed as the decision is on hold.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, service personnel records, and a psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee and right ankle disabilities were not caused by a disease or injury in service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disability and left foot pes planus, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected right knee bursitis. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his claims for service connection for lower back, right knee, right ankle, and left ankle disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ankle disability or respiratory disorder, other than sleep apnea and asthma, that is related to service. The claim for service connection for these conditions is therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure of a scheduled hearing before the Board. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected dermatitis and right ankle injury residuals do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ankle pain, claimed as tendonitis, was denied. The other issues on appeal were also denied.

The Board finds that the appellant does not have a right ankle disability that is related to military service or a service-connected condition.