Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, IBS, and bilateral ankle disability were denied. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was granted a noncompensable rating as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case for extraschedular consideration due to a request from the Veteran in his Post-Remand Brief.

The Veteran's left ankle disability has been rated at 20 percent since June 2012, and no higher rating is warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, effective December 14, 2016. The appeal for a higher rating has been granted.

The Veteran's multiple joint pains, bilateral ankle pain, and left elbow pain are not service connected as an undiagnosed illness or due to exposure to Gulf War toxins. The VA has denied these claims.

The Veteran's sinusitis, sleep apnea, and right ankle disability have been granted service connection. The Veteran has also been awarded a 30% rating for GERD.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for bilateral ankle arthritis during the May 2017 Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were denied as there was no evidence of current disabilities or causation due to military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions. However, the evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a link between any claimed condition and service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle and right shoulder disabilities, finding that there is no credible evidence of in-service injury or disease. The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding of nexus between current disability and military service.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a left ankle injury are rated at 10 percent, effective from July 27, 2009. The Board finds that the disability does not warrant a higher rating as there is no evidence of marked limited motion of the left ankle.

The Veteran's skin disorder and right ankle disorder are found to have begun during his active duty service. Service connection is granted for these conditions. The Veteran's PTSD rating claim remains pending.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was rated at 20 percent since January 25, 2010. The right and left knee disabilities were each rated at 10 percent since December 29, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left and right ankle disabilities did not manifest in service or within one year of discharge, and the only competent opinions to address their etiology weighed against the claims. The diagnoses are considered new and separate conditions unrelated to his service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back, left ribs region, left ankle, and right wrist disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The VA examinations did not find a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right ankle injury with retained metallic foreign body was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease of both ankles, and chondromalacia with x-ray evidence of degenerative joint disease of both knees. The Board found that there is no medical evidence showing a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the Veteran's left ankle and foot disabilities, as well as to obtain additional treatment records. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, characterized by osteochondritic changes and postoperative residuals, has been rated at 20 percent since May 2008. The Board finds that the current rating of 20 percent is inadequate to reflect the severity of the Veteran's condition, which most closely resembles ankylosis of the ankle with specific measurements exceeding those required for a 40 percent rating under DC 5270.