Ankle Board decisions

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's right ankle disability, effective from June 30, 2008, finding that the evidence shows functional loss and painful motion prior to January 25, 2013.

The Veteran's service is not considered to be during a period of war, thus he does not meet the eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed right knee, right ankle, left knee, low back, hallux valgus deformity (right first metatarsophalangeal joint), and meralgia paresthetica disabilities as they are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle conditions and bilateral foot numbness. The Veteran was found not to have chronic disabilities of the ankles or feet at separation, and there is no evidence of such disabilities during the pendency of the claim.,An initial compensable evaluation for bilateral pes planus is remanded as the current examination is too old to adequately evaluate the current state of the disability.

The Veteran's right ankle DJD with instability is rated at 10 percent prior to February 13, 2014. From February 13, 2014, the rating is increased to 20 percent.

The Veteran's right ankle/foot condition has worsened since his last VA examination in April 2014, and a new evaluation is needed to determine the appropriate rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to pending claims that could impact the TDIU determination. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded until all service connection and new and material evidence issues are resolved.

The Board has denied service connection for right ankle disability, left ankle disability, bilateral pes planus, and varicose veins. The claims for PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The effective dates for the grant of service connection were not granted earlier than April 29, 2011. A compensable rating for his coccyx disability was also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle disorder, cardiac disorder, left arm disorder, right arm disorder, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The decision also dismissed the claim for a total disability based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has found conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's current right ankle condition and requires a supplemental opinion to reconcile these opinions. The Veteran is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if his right ankle pain is related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete range of motion testing in the VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, flat feet, and skin disorder. The claim for a left leg disorder is being remanded.,Service connection was not granted for any of the conditions listed.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for hypertension, pulmonary embolism, status post colon resection, left ankle arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, bilateral shoulder arthritis, bilateral hand arthritis, and bilateral foot arthritis due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims. Service connection was granted for residuals of recurring incisional hernia with associated scarring.

Service connection for PTSD is granted. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for DJD of the right ankle is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been reopened and granted. The Board found that new evidence supports the reopening of the claim, but denied service connection due to lack of a nexus between current tinnitus and active service. The Veteran is not entitled to SMC based on need for aid and attendance or automobile/adaptive equipment benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a statement of the case on his increased rating claim, and an earlier effective date claim remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depressive disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury or stressor events.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including eye condition, joint pain, shoulder and neck conditions, wrist and hand conditions, knee and ankle conditions, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, all potentially related to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran was not afforded VA examinations due to his inability to report for scheduled exams.