Ankle decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder strain, left ankle sprain, and hypertension as there was no evidence of new or material evidence to reopen previously denied service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic right ankle sprains is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected hepatitis C and left ankle disability rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from October 13, 2009, to July 28, 2011. Prior to this period, his combined disability rating did not meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ankle disability was not incurred or aggravated during active service and is not otherwise related to a service-connected condition. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between the current right ankle disability and qualifying active service.

The Veteran's left ankle strain was granted service connection as it had its onset during his first period of active duty. However, the right ankle disability was denied service connection due to lack of evidence linking it to service.,For the initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the right arm fracture and TDIU claims, these issues were not addressed.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right ankle disorder and an increased rating for left ankle sprain due to outstanding VA treatment records from Wilkes-Barre VAMC. The Veteran is also advised that he needs to file a substantive appeal if he wishes to continue his appeal on these issues.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for posttraumatic arthritis of the right ankle and left ankle, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to January 22, 2015, for his right ankle disability and entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle disorders due to a lack of new and material evidence for the left knee claim, and because there is no credible evidence linking the current diagnoses to active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pending issue regarding the offset of disability pay, and other issues remain unresolved.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic right ankle disability during service or within one year post-service, and the Veteran's current right ankle arthritis does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision, thus dismissing the case.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disorder, finding that the Veteran's credible account of an in-service injury and subsequent chronic symptoms supports his claim.

The Veteran's left and right ankle sprains have been rated at 10 percent prior to December 15, 2011. Effective December 15, 2011, the ratings for both ankles were increased to 20 percent.

The Veteran's combined rating for service connected disabilities was sufficient to meet the criteria for a TDIU as of May 14, 2010. The Board found that his service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle and foot arthritis, left ankle tendonitis, and left knee arthritis. The Veteran's current diagnoses are considered to be the result of injuries sustained while playing soccer during his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection may be granted, specifically bilateral ankle disability. The claims of entitlement to service connection for pes planus and bilateral hearing loss are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left ankle disability is gouty arthritis, which was not manifest in service or related to his service-connected left knee meniscus tears. Therefore, service connection for bilateral ankle disability is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to her request for a Travel Board hearing, and these matters are now pending before the Atlanta RO.