Ankle decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded this case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing. The appeal is not about service connection at all, as it pertains to scheduling issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA and SSA records, which need to be obtained for proper adjudication of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected left foot disability, including status post left heel fracture with plantar fasciitis and left ankle DJD, has been rated at 20 percent since April 28, 2006. The Board found that the evidence supports a rating of 30 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and development of his medical records.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU since January 13, 2003, due to his service-connected disabilities making him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran is currently service-connected for several disabilities, but the Board finds that a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management is not necessary for him to obtain or maintain employment in his chosen field.

The Veteran's appeals were granted, with increased ratings for PTSD and ankle disabilities. The right ear hearing loss was rated as noncompensable, but the effective dates for service connection of diabetic neuropathy in both lower extremities are being remanded.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the highest rating available under Diagnostic Code 5271 for limitation of motion. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as there is no indication of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder, right shoulder rotator cuff disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and bilateral knee disorder were not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability.

The VA denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right knee patellar tendonitis and right ankle degenerative joint disease, as there is no evidence showing that these conditions result in limitation of motion to a degree warranting higher ratings.,VA found that the Veteran’s symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for either his right knee patellar tendonitis or right ankle degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his service-connected conditions did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability was manifested by no worse than marked limitation of motion, and the RO determined that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral ankle disability, to include as secondary to his service-connected pes planus, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for schizoaffective disorder, depressive type; alcohol use disorder; and a right ankle disability. The Veteran's current conditions are considered to be the result of his active service.

The Veteran's residuals of a left ankle fracture are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's asthma disability is presumed to have existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. The Board denied the remaining claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral knee, left ankle, or skin disabilities. The evidence does not support service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination, as well as consideration of a separate claim for a temporary 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for residuals of left ankle injury prior to July 2, 2010, and as of that date was denied. The current rating schedule adequately describes the Veteran's symptoms and functional limitations.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and to ensure the Veteran's claims are properly developed.