Ankle decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining outstanding treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected gunshot wound, left knee degenerative joint disease, and left ankle degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle and right wrist disorders have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability that is related to her military service. The claim for service connection for the left great toe disorder remains pending further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for osteoarthritis (other than the right ankle and cervical and lumbar spine) has been denied. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability remains pending, as does the claim for service connection for a digestive disorder, claimed as GERD.

The Veteran's claim for a separate rating for his knee condition secondary to the ankle condition was denied. The right ankle disability is rated at 30 percent from October 1, 2014 onwards.,The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50 percent and granted TDIU based on this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and a VA examination to determine the etiology of his left ankle disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional evidence, including medical records from November 11, 2011 onwards.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to new evidence received after a July 2015 supplemental statement of the case. The issues include service connection for low back disability, acquired psychiatric disability including PTSD and depression, left ankle disability, and TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, especially residuals of lumbar strain, left and right knee chondromalacia, left and right ankle strains, and left and right foot plantar fasciitis with hallux valgus, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and ankle DJD are not service-connected. The left foot amputation was due to a non-service-connected condition.,Service connection for the Veteran's bilateral ankle disability is denied as there is no evidence of an increase in severity during service, and his current disability is related to his pre-existing pes planus.,The Veteran's transmetatarsal amputation of the left foot is not service-connected. The claim for a temporary total rating due to convalescence following surgery is denied because the hospitalization was not for a service-connected condition.,The Veteran does not have any service-connected disabilities that would warrant a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining private and VA treatment records, as well as clarifying medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of a right ankle sprain, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no current diagnosis or etiological link to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and updating the claims file with any relevant medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated appropriately at 10 percent, and his left ankle disability was not incurred or aggravated by service-connected right ankle posterior tibial tendonitis. The evidence did not support a finding of secondary service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a right leg disability, to include arthritis of the knee and ankle, as it was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim is remanded due to the need for additional development regarding other issues.

The Board denied an increase in a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's right ankle disability and did not address her claim for TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his right knee, right foot, and right ankle disabilities, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board grants the TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability had its onset in active service and has persisted since his separation from service, warranting service connection. The right ankle issue is pending as additional evidence and information are needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for axillary hyperhidrosis, recurring cystitis, hemorrhoids, and residuals of left ankle injury are granted. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding these conditions having onset or persistence during service.

The Veteran's skin condition and hearing loss have been reopened. The Board has granted a 10% rating for his right ankle scar, but the remaining claims are still pending due to additional development needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, right and left ankle, and bilateral knee disorders are related to his military service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is also found to be related to his in-service parachute jumps.