Ankle decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right ankle residuals is denied as a matter of law because she failed to report to a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability due to aggravation of a preexisting condition. Additionally, the effective date for the 30 percent rating for hyperhidrosis is being granted prior to June 8, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions regarding his left ankle condition and respiratory disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hip disorders and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.,The VA examiners in January 2010 and July 2016 concluded that the Veteran does not have a bilateral hip disorder based on reduced range of motion with objective evidence of pain on motion.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, was not incurred or aggravated during service and is not otherwise related to his military service.,There is no evidence of a current bilateral ankle disability that can be linked to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective January 28, 2016. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of entitlement to an initial compensable rating prior to this date or for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to his service-connected disabilities and inability to secure or follow substantial gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of lumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, right ankle disability, and migraines is October 5, 1990.,No specific rating or effective date was assigned in this decision.

The Veteran's left ankle osteoarthritis is characterized by pain and limitation of endurance, more nearly approximating moderate limitation of motion than marked limitation of motion. The Board finds the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent are not met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing by live videoconference. The issues of increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and left ankle disability are still pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and updated treatment records, as well as further consideration of the service connection claim.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service complaints of back pain. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has found that there is no current left ankle, right ankle, or right shoulder disability and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left ankle disorders are at least as likely as not related to his active military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including rescheduling of VA examinations and obtaining private treatment records.

The Board has found that the Veteran's right ankle sprain resolved, residual limited right ankle motion had its onset during service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has not been manifested by ankylosis of the ankle, and his hemorrhoids have resulted in persistent bleeding and secondary anemia. The Board finds that a maximum schedular rating of 20 percent is warranted for both conditions throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board video conference hearing and further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left wrist or right ankle disabilities, and therefore service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran is granted effective dates of July 1, 2007 for the grants of service connection for right ankle strain, right shoulder strain, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left ankle strain, and residuals of a nasal fracture.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, ankle disorders, knee disorders, hip disorders, and psychiatric and gastrointestinal issues, were denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.