Ankle decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The case will be reviewed to determine if a new VA examination of the Veteran's bilateral foot and ankle conditions is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of service connection for chronic disability of the left and right ankles, numbness in the right lower extremity, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, right ankle sprain with Achilles tendonitis, and left ankle sprain with Achilles tendonitis have been granted initial compensable ratings of 10 percent each.

The Veteran's left foot disability, including status post left calcaneal spur resection with heel pain and history of ankle stiffness, has been rated at 10 percent since September 1, 2002. The VA examiner found no more than moderate disability in terms of range of motion and functional impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, TMJ, and other conditions are being considered. The Board has found the evidence to be in equipoise on whether these disorders were incurred during service.,Service connection is granted for a lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, and migraines.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to the need for additional medical examination and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder and right ankle disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing at his local RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, as well as a VA examination to address the etiology of his claimed disabilities. The issues on appeal include service connection claims for various conditions.

The Board has restored the 40% disability rating for low back strain, effective from November 1, 2009. The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral knee and hip disabilities are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The conditions claimed, including tinea pedis with folliculitis and bilateral pes planus, were not found to warrant higher initial disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ankle disability and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent, effective January 3, 2005. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show more than moderate limited motion of the left ankle.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of right Achilles tendon rupture and right ankle sprain is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise with respect to whether the Veteran's current diagnoses are related to his in-service injuries.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his military service for any of the claimed conditions, and thus denied all claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peripheral venous insufficiency, also claimed as ankle swelling, is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the appellant is therefore not entitled to VA benefits under 38 C.F.R. § 3.11.