Ankle decisions — 2015

The Veteran's right ankle sprain with Achilles tendonitis is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not more nearly approximate marked limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disability is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling and does not warrant a higher rating. The claim for service connection of esophagitis secondary to his service-connected left ankle strain was addressed but not decided due to the need for additional medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle/foot and bilateral hip arthritis resulted in significant loss of use of his bilateral lower extremities, necessitating the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board granted SMC based on this need.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right ankle and hip disabilities, as well as service connection for sinus disorder and allergies, were denied. The Board found that the current disability evaluations adequately reflected the severity of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic left ankle, right ankle, tailbone, or lumbar spine disability. The service connection for cervical spine and right shoulder disabilities is also denied as there is no evidence of such disabilities during active service.

The Board has granted service connection for sarcoidosis and found that the Veteran's sarcoidosis is at least as likely as not related to his in-service exposure. The remaining issues have been remanded for further action.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, including as due to service-connected left ankle arthritis. The claims for right ankle disability, plantar fasciitis of the right foot, skin disability of the back of the head and feet, gastrointestinal disability, to include gastritis, and residuals of a left buttock strain were denied on the merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back condition and bilateral ankle disorder are related to his service-connected pes planus, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found no basis to grant higher ratings or establish service connection based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and ankle conditions, as well as a claim for an increased rating for residuals of a left tibia fracture. The evidence did not support finding that these conditions were caused or aggravated by his service-connected left leg disability.

The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip and ankle degenerative joint disease are not related to service, as they manifested many years after separation from service. The conditions are considered biomechanical in nature and not linked to toxic exposures or other service events.

The Veteran's Raynaud's disease, diagnosed as a result of cold weather injury in service, is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran has current manifestations of plantar fasciitis and bilateral ankle disorder, both related to her service. However, there are no findings or opinions regarding the left wrist disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability was denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic right knee disorder during service and concluded that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying the nature of his right knee disability.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been characterized by some limitation of motion and difficulty standing for extended periods. A rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or a foot injury that is 'severe' in nature.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including additional examinations and consideration of his service connection claims. His TDIU claim will also be considered.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of degenerative arthritis of the left ankle is related to his active service, and the Board finds that reasonable doubt has been resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and insomnia resulted in occupational and social deficiencies, warranting a 70 percent rating. His bilateral hearing loss is not compensable. The Veteran was granted service connection for his headache disability and right ankle disability but denied service connection for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed heart disorder, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, bilateral ankle disorder, and bilateral knee disorder are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic right ankle disability and right CTS, which represents a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal.,For left CTS, the claim is remanded as there are incomplete records.