Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected right and left ankle disabilities are currently rated at the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 5271. No higher ratings are warranted as they do not meet the criteria for a disability rating greater than 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. A new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected asthma and sinusitis. The TDIU claim will also be remanded.

The Board has granted increased initial ratings of 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability since September 20, 2013 and 20 percent for both right and left ankle disabilities since September 20, 2013. The Veteran's claims for service connection for plantar warts have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability had its onset in service and is granted as service connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left ankle strains, gastrocnemius equinus, and degenerative joint disease are related to her service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to missing service medical records and incomplete etiology opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new examinations and completion of a VA Form 21-8940. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated after the necessary information has been obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee and ankle disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected knee and ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is required due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back and left ankle disorders are not related to service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions have been granted. The disabilities are considered direct service connections.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right ankle disability, as well as obtaining additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an ankle disability is denied as there is no persuasive evidence of a current disability that is related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, skin disability, fatigue, bilateral foot and elbow disabilities, right ankle disability, bilateral hand disability, and bilateral knee disability are denied. The effective date of service connection for PTSD is July 22, 2011.

The Board has granted service connection for urinary incontinence and obesity, finding that these conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The increased ratings for left knee strain and left ankle disability have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current extent and severity of his left ankle disability and an opinion on whether hypertension is related to service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for obstructive sleep apnea disability. The Veteran's right ankle disability is denied as service connection cannot be established due to lack of in-service manifestation or link between current disability and service. Service connection for chronic headache disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's service-connected right wrist disability is rated at 40 percent, effective August 31, 2009. The appeal for rheumatoid arthritis was denied.