Ankle decisions — 2018

The Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after his active duty. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current hypertension is caused by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a diagnosis of a right ankle condition, and the issue remains pending as the Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, effective August 14, 2017. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple knee/ankle conditions, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected pemphigus vulgaris caused his current multiple joint arthralgias of the hands and left ankle. His refractive error is not considered a disease or injury for VA purposes, so he cannot be granted service connection. The molluscum contagiosum was resolved during service. The warts on his fingers were incurred in service. He has been granted an initial 10% evaluation for right knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of her neurological disabilities, including whether they are related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 10% since October 1, 2011.,The Veteran's left ankle and right ankle disabilities are each rated at noncompensable (0%) from October 1, 2011 to June 6, 2014, and in excess of 10% thereafter. The RO has assigned staged ratings for these conditions.,The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10% since October 1, 2011, with a separate 10% rating granted for instability as of October 30, 2013.,The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10% since October 1, 2011, with a separate 10% rating granted for instability as of October 30, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left ankle disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to August 7, 2014 and from that date up to a maximum of 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder, NOS resulted in significant occupational and social impairment. The right ankle disability and skin disorder to include eczema are presumed to have begun during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected disabilities and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received sufficient to reopen the previously denied service connection claims for left foot degenerative joint disease and left ankle condition. The Veteran's current left foot degenerative joint disease is connected to service, as are his current left ankle condition (ligamentous injury).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and bilateral hearing loss, but granted a noncompensable rating for his service-connected bilateral photophobia.

The Board has decided that a new VA examination is needed to assess the Veteran's current level of disability due to his right ankle strain, and additional medical records are requested.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right ankle condition did not manifest during service and is not related to his service-connected dermatophytosis. The Veteran's current skin ulceration was found to be unrelated to his service-connected dermatophytosis.

The VA steroid injections did not result in additional disability to the Veteran's right foot, ankle or heel.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hip or ankle conditions, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The cervical spine condition claim remains pending.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues related to increased ratings for various knee, ankle, elbow, and elbow impairment conditions prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left ankle disability, diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis, was incurred in service. The Veteran also has residuals of frostbite of both feet, which are not considered to be service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, except for reopening a claim for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to service.,Evidence received since a final December 1996 rating decision includes new and material evidence relating to his right leg disability, which he seeks to reopen. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a right leg disability separate from radiculopathy is reopened.

The Veteran's December 9, 2011 left ankle surgery was not for treatment of a service-connected disability. Therefore, the appeal seeking a temporary total rating for convalescence following that surgery is denied.