Ankle decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow and left ankle disabilities, as well as his initial evaluations for migraine headaches, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with herniated disc and radiculopathy, and right ankle joint instability have all been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for gouty arthritis of the left ankle, psychiatric disability (PTSD), sleep apnea, and right hip disability. The appeals were based on new and material evidence.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including a right ankle condition and its secondary effects on his knees, hips, back, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The Board will review the evidence to determine if new and material evidence has been submitted and to decide whether these claims should be granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar strain, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatic nerve impairment of the lower extremities, and a lumbar spine disability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. His heart murmur is not considered a disability for VA purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a disability rating of 70 percent, effective from May 5, 2009 to July 25, 2013. The Veteran's other claims have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, DJD of the bilateral elbows and/or right ankle, and a left eye condition have been denied as there is no evidence of onset during active service or within one year following discharge. The preponderance of evidence does not support a nexus between these conditions and active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and is not due to or aggravated by her service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left ankle disability, and left knee disability was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a hearing loss disability in either ear during his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle and knee disabilities are not shown to be related to his service, or to have been caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The VA examiner found that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is less likely than not related to his service, concluding that it was more likely due to a pre-existing condition.

The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of left ankle, cervical spine, or lumbar spine disorders. The Board finds the evidence against a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under any applicable rating code. The evidence does not demonstrate moderate limitation of motion, and there are no other symptoms or findings that warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a left iliac crest osteotomy, to include as secondary to the Veteran's back disability. The claim for a left ankle disability was denied.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is manifested by pain and slight limitation of motion. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a higher rating for his service-connected left ankle sprain.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, as there is no competent and credible evidence linking these conditions to the Appellant's period of active duty.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted, effective from March 14, 2011. His right ankle disorder and lumbar degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis are the service-connected conditions that have led to this decision.

The Veteran's DJD of the left knee is currently rated at 30% from October 1, 2015. The claim for an extension of a temporary 100% rating for DJD of the right knee post total knee arthroplasty with patellar resurfacing beyond July 31, 2013 is moot.