Ankle decisions — 2018

The Board has denied service connection for various hip, knee, ankle, foot, and hand disorders as well as bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that these conditions were not present during or related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his left ankle disability, and for obtaining any outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, and she is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for postoperative residuals of left ankle melanoma, to include as due to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not establish a link between the Veteran's melanoma and herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle disability, including arthritis, pes planovalgus, equinus contracture, and multidirectional weakness, is related to his in-service injury. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and an increased rating for left ankle DJD with calcaneofibular and ATF ligament ruptures, status post repair with scar and left peronealis tendonitis are remanded due to the need for updated examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his current knee, ankle, foot, hand, finger, and wrist disabilities. Additionally, a VA examination is needed to assess the relationship between any kidney disability and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his left wrist and arm, left ankle, left heel, and right foot disabilities.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 5271 for marked limitation of motion. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development, including scheduling of VA examinations and obtaining medical records. The issues on appeal include service connection for various orthopedic, respiratory, psychiatric, and dermatological conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and further development is required.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, hip, and knee disabilities due to a lack of diagnosed current disability related to active duty service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for right ankle calcaneal spurs, old trauma interosseous ligaments, and soft tissue swelling lateral malleolus.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed bilateral ankle disability did not develop during service and is not otherwise related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee and right ankle disabilities, as well as anxiety disorder, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability rating beyond the currently assigned 10 percent for right knee disability, 20 percent for right ankle disability, and no higher than 30 percent for anxiety disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine, right hip, left knee, right knee, left ankle, right ankle, and left foot disabilities as they are at least as likely as not due to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disability is due to an in-service injury and grants service connection for this condition. The cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are less likely than not related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral tinnitus was granted. The other claims were withdrawn by the Veteran.