Ankle decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disability and bilateral foot condition are not related to his service or any service-connected disabilities, thus denying these claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant, through his authorized representative, requesting withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot and ankle disabilities, as well as a right ankle condition. The case will be remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding these issues.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right ankle disability was denied. The Board found that the current 40 percent evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected condition.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral ankle disability and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and left ankle disorders, both secondary to his service-connected residuals of left fifth metatarsal fracture, are being remanded due to the failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for TBI, low back disability, sleep apnea, skin disability (folliculitis), and right ankle/foot disability have been granted. The Board found that the evidence supported these determinations based on sound medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right knee and left ankle disabilities are not related to service, including parachute jumps during service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board found no service connection for an ankle disorder or bunions of the toes/feet, and denied these claims as not related to service. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated based on its severity.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, and he is not bedridden. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back, bilateral ankle, and bilateral foot disorders were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability. The evidence does not support a finding of causation or aggravation.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, Type II and its related complications. The Veteran's other claims are also supported by the evidence.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right ankle replacement that he claims is secondary to his already service-connected left ankle disability. The case has been remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions have not warranted an increased rating in any of the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the right ankle/foot was not incurred in or is not related to an in-service injury. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding that his current disability is due to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities are productive of pain, with marked limitation of motion. The criteria for an increased rating of 20 percent have been met for both ankles.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ankle disability related to an in-service injury and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's knee and ankle conditions have been rated based on their current functional limitations, with the right knee receiving a 10 percent rating for instability and the right ankle receiving a 10 percent rating. The ratings are considered appropriate given the Veteran's symptoms and physical findings.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain was rated at 10% prior to September 3, 2013. Since then, the rating has been increased to 20%. The increase is due to marked limitation of motion.