Ankle decisions — 2016

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently evaluated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's right ankle disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling due to moderate limitation of motion. The Veteran also has subastragalar or tarsal joint ankylosis in good weight-bearing position, which warrants a separate 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine, bilateral knees, and left ankle as his conditions are not related to service or manifested within one year of separation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO granted service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder, but did not grant the requested higher initial rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear at a scheduled hearing. The case will be returned for rescheduling the hearing and providing notice of representation options.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's low back disability and whether his left ankle disability is related to his service-connected low back disability. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's posttraumatic stress disorder is rated at 50 percent disabling and he has sufficient additional service-connected disabilities to bring his combined rating to 80 percent; these service-connected disabilities preclude the Veteran from maintaining gainful employment. The criteria for TDIU are met.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ankle and left knee disabilities do not warrant increased ratings as they are currently rated.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for high cholesterol, left thumb disorder, left ankle disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and right shoulder impingement syndrome were denied as the evidence did not establish service connection due to lack of a diagnosed disability.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to provide the Veteran with additional VA examinations and obtain outstanding medical records. The primary issues are whether any current right ankle disability had its onset in or was caused by active service, including an automobile accident during service, and whether it is at least as likely as not aggravated by a service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and will handle it in accordance with applicable procedures.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected right ankle scar status post arthroscopy, effective from March 19, 2014. The condition is rated under the general provisions for scars as it does not meet the criteria for an unstable or painful scar.

The Veteran's service-connected left leg disability, characterized by marked limitation of motion and ankylosis, is currently rated at 20 percent. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right foot/ankle disability is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee and ankle disabilities, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA examination reports and further development is required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, and his claim is granted.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to her relocation and the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn, and the Board granted service connection for bilateral ankle strain. The right knee arthritis rating remains at 10 percent, prostate cancer is not service connected, and there are no effective dates provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including gastroesophageal reflux and left ankle disability, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since November 18, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether these disabilities prevent her from securing or following such an occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to incomplete development, including failure to adjudicate certain referred issues. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further action.