Ankle decisions — 2017

The Board has found that the evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between any in-service event and the Veteran's current diagnosis of a right ankle disorder, to include as secondary to service-connected right knee internal derangement with instability. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral foot and ankle disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations, with no higher ratings warranted due to the lack of evidence supporting more severe disability levels.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including providing a VA psychiatric examination and issuing an SOC regarding educational assistance benefits. The appellant's claims of service connection for various conditions are not currently in appellate status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing for the issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim of service connection for loss of teeth, entitlement to service connection for right ankle wound residuals, and entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for anxiety disorder NOS with insomnia.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the knees and ankles have been denied as there is no evidence that his conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied as his service-connected conditions are already rated at the maximum assignable levels.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The right ankle disability is rated as 10 percent disabling, while the right foot plantar fasciitis was rated as 10 percent prior to October 14, 2016, and 20 percent thereafter. The appeal for TDIU was also denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he is currently employed and able to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the etiology of his right ankle disability, acquired psychiatric disabilities, neck trauma and lower back conditions. The Veteran has not been provided with a VA examination regarding his right eye condition.

The Veteran's nail fungus is likely the result of his service-connected dermatomycosis and atopic dermatitis. The Board did not find evidence for a current bilateral knee, ankle, eye, or swollen joints disability to establish service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The claims will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his cervical spine and left radial shaft disabilities, as well as the etiology of his bilateral hand arthritis, right elbow and wrist pain, right subacromial bursitis, left scapulothoracic bursitis, lumbar strain, right ankle sprain, and left knee arthritis.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on his claims for increased ratings for residuals of left ankle fracture and left ankle scar.

The Veteran's right foot injury has been rated as moderately severe, and the right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent. The Veteran requested to withdraw her appeal for several conditions, including residuals of pelvis and/or hip injuries, poikilothermal or cold intolerance, loss of use of buttocks, neurogenic bowel, sexual dysfunction, and soft tissue trauma.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder are related to his military service, and he is unable to work due to these conditions. The Board has granted a TDIU from May 29, 2012 to October 30, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and a VA examination. The issues of service connection for low back, bilateral ankle, left foot, and right foot disabilities are on appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records related to his service-connected conditions and any new disabilities. The effective date of the award of service connection for anxiety disorder remains without legal merit.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining updated treatment records.