Ankle decisions — 2017

The Board found no evidence of a current chronic left ankle disability and concluded that the Veteran's in-service cellulitis did not result in a chronic condition. Therefore, service connection for a left ankle disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral knees are being remanded due to inadequate examination findings. His claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left ankle, right ankle, and bilateral knee disabilities are also being remanded as he has not been provided with a VA examination in over six years.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral ankle disabilities have resulted in functional loss of use, warranting a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing. However, he is not entitled to a special home adaptation grant due to the award of specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for anxiety disorder, right ankle sprain, and scars of the right foot were granted. The claim for service connection for PTSD was denied. Service connection for bilateral flatfoot was also denied.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5271 for moderate limitation of motion. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no ankylosis or other disabling conditions that would warrant a different evaluation.

The appeal has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to incomplete information regarding his employment status and the need for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA opinion on the impact of service-connected disabilities on employability.

The Board has restored the initial disability ratings for the service-connected right ankle disability and neuritis, effective February 21, 2011, and September 29, 2010 respectively. The restoration is based on evidence showing no improvement in these conditions.

The Veteran has been unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities since at least 1981, which is the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his service connection claims, including obtaining relevant records and conducting further examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is related to service or his service-connected left ankle disability.,Fatigue is not related to service and is attributed to sleep apnea.

The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded to obtain an adequate VA examination and address whether it began during service or within one year of his discharge. The left ankle disorder rating claim is also remanded for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU on an extra-schedular basis has been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is found to be service-connected. The initial ratings for hepatitis C and cirrhosis of the liver are granted, but with some issues still pending.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection have been granted, with the effective date set at October 1, 1997.

The VA examiner found no link between the Veteran's current right ankle disability and his active service, concluding that it is less likely than not caused by or related to any injury or event during service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for pes planus and determined that new evidence was received. The Board also found that the Veteran's pre-existing pes planus did not increase in severity during service, but granted service connection for hallux valgus as secondary to pes planus and hammer toes as secondary to pes planus. Service connection for a right ankle disorder was denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected left ankle disability was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Board has dismissed the claims of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain with degenerative arthritis and left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain as there is no pending appeal on these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for limb girdle muscular dystrophy and has determined that a 20 percent evaluation is warranted for left ankle impairment, residual injury with degenerative joint disease (DJD).