Ankle decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board found no evidence of ankylosis or instability warranting a higher rating. The claim for a higher rating was denied.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the bilateral ankles and low back muscle spasm have been rated based on their current severity. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection claims.,For the period prior to January 8, 2013, the Veteran’s degenerative joint disease of the right and left ankles was characterized by moderate limitation of motion. Since January 8, 2013, it has been characterized by marked limitation of motion. The low back muscle spasm is characterized by limited range of motion, painful motion, and regular use of assistive devices.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected right ankle disability, finding that the evidence does not support a finding of total unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal for a reduction in his rating for equinovarus deformity of the right ankle and TDIU was denied as the reduction based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) was proper, and the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and other procedural issues. The claim will be reconsidered with all available evidence, including post-death evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines, depression, and physical impairments, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed right ankle, left ankle, right leg (formerly right knee), and left leg (formerly left knee) disabilities. The decision also denied a rating greater than 20 percent for diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's right foot neuropathy is granted, but the left ankle strain/trauma claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to her service-connected right foot condition.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the right ankle disability claim, specifically to determine if the ankylosis involves the subastragalar joint, tarsal joint or ankle joint. The Veteran's TDIU rating claim is also remanded due to its interdependence with the right ankle disability claim.,The Board has found that a new examination is needed for the right ankle disability claim to determine the current severity of ankylosis and whether it involves the subastragalar joint, tarsal joint or ankle joint. The TDIU rating claim remains in remand status.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected left ankle and distal left leg with degenerative joint disease, finding that it does not result in any ankylosis, malunion, astragalectomy, or marked limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral foot disorder is not related to service and therefore denied his claim. The issues of left plantar fibromatosis, right plantar fasciitis, acquired deformity of left other specified site, contracture of left tendon sheath, osteochondral defect of left great toe MTP head, osteoarthritis of left ankle/foot, fracture of other bone of left foot, and unspecified osteochondropathy of left foot are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected left tibia stress fracture has worsened, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the appropriate rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection due to insufficient examination reports, conflicting evidence regarding severity of disabilities, and lack of discussion on changes in severity throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis, bilateral feet and hands have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Service connection for left wrist and left hand disabilities has also been denied due to lack of a diagnosed condition.,The Veteran's claim for fatigue was denied as he does not meet the criteria for a chronic disability manifested by fatigue.,Radiculopathy/neuropathy claims have all been denied, with no current evidence of such conditions in his upper or lower extremities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle condition that is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability, finding that there is at least as much evidence supporting this relationship as against it.

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip disability, status post hip replacement. The claims of bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to back pain (originally claimed as neuropathy due to diabetes mellitus type II), bilateral ankle condition, bilateral foot condition, and hiatal hernia are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the hips, knees, ankles, and feet have been granted. The Board has also remanded several other issues.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral ankle disorder, finding that the Veteran's current disability is related to his military service due to multiple ankle sprains he experienced during service in rough waters at sea.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection due to the Veteran's death.