Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia, including his bilateral foot, right ankle, and thoracic spine disabilities, is rated at 60 percent from July 23, 2002 to July 23, 2003. The Board granted the increased ratings for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of his left ankle disability, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA medical examiner to address whether the Veteran's bilateral ankle and shoulder disabilities are secondary to her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran is also seeking clarification on the status of her claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and an addendum opinion regarding his hearing loss claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right ankle disability. Additionally, new medical opinions are needed to assess whether his claimed low back disability, left ankle disability, bilateral hip disabilities, and bilateral knee disabilities are caused or aggravated by his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's residuals of a left ankle fracture are rated at 20 percent, but the Board has determined that he is entitled to an increased rating to 30 percent based on marked ankle disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and addressing his Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits. The case will be referred to the VA Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation and Pension Service for review of whether an extraschedular rating is warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for new examinations and consideration of outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since April 2, 2012, due to significant occupational and social impairment.,His right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent since May 21, 2013, for marked limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an abdominal muscle disorder was denied. The claims of increased ratings for lumbar spine DDD and left hip DJD, as well as the claim for increased rating for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were also denied. Service connection for tinea pedis (athlete's foot) was granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or keeping employment prior to March 5, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran's substance abuse disorder was a contributing factor material to his disability determination and thus he has not been disabled within the meaning of the Social Security Act at any time from the alleged onset date through the date of this decision.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The Board finds that an increase to this level of disability is warranted based on marked limitation of motion.

The Board finds that the Veteran's macular degeneration and lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 are not service-connected. The ankle conditions have been rated appropriately, but the Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia has been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent, based on persistent symptoms including heartburn, regurgitation, and substernal pain.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.,Service connection was granted for anxiety disorder, basal cell cancer of the nose, and arthritis, facet joint L5-S1.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for left and right ankle disorders, including gout. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his left ankle condition and male reproductive system disorders.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal in December 2017, resulting in the dismissal of this case.

The Veteran is found unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities, specifically PTSD, sleep apnea, and ankle strain. The Board grants the TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including residuals of a right fifth finger fracture and right ankle sprain, are not related to service. The claim for service connection is denied.