Ankle decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar strain, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability are denied as there is no clear evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The claim for left shoulder disability is granted, while the claim for left fifth finger disability remains pending due to lack of sufficient evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection of his left ankle disorder will be reconsidered after these steps.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional records, including Social Security Administration records. The case will be reconsidered after these are obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disabilities are found to have caused or aggravated her current disabilities of the bilateral ankles, knees, hips, and low back.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his right ankle disability and left inguinal hernia, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for low back, bilateral ankle, and bilateral knee disabilities due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's right hip disability, including osteoarthritis and total right hip arthroplasty with residuals, is found to be service-connected. The Board also granted service connection for left hip, back, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities as secondary to the right hip disability.

The Board has determined that further examination and development are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and ankle disorders, as well as his claim for a higher rating for his right shoulder disability.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of a right ankle disorder, headache disorder, or psychiatric disorder. The claim for service connection was denied as there is insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or additional service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a dagger wound to the left side of the stomach, residuals of a shrapnel wound to the middle back, residuals of a shrapnel wound to the right buttock, or residuals of a shrapnel wound to the left ankle. The neck disorder is also denied.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was rated at 10% prior to May 1, 2013 and at 20% since. The left thigh meralgia paresthetica was rated at 10%. These ratings are maintained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current foot and ankle disabilities are at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, specifically a fall aboard his naval vessel. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle/foot disability and awarded an individual compensation rating of 10% for scars of the left cheek, right temple, and/or right eyebrow.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a need for a VA medical examination and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury, including arthritis.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ankle disorder is not related to his military service and denies his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected prostatitis, left ankle disability, and cellulitis of the chin are currently rated at their maximum allowable levels. The Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for evaluations of his psychiatric disorders, lumbar strain, right ring and little finger degenerative joint disease, left shoulder tendonitis, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left ankle strain, and left foot plantar fasciitis from February 1, 2010 to September 6, 2011 were denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as 'other specified trauma and stressor related disorder,' has been rated at 50 percent since March 11, 2009. The disability is characterized by symptoms such as anger, irritability, depression, concentration problems, suicidal and homicidal ideation, impairment of relationships with others, resulting in deficiencies in most areas.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active service and have denied all claims for service connection.