Ankle Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's left ankle and left knee disabilities do not warrant increased ratings as they are currently rated.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for high cholesterol, left thumb disorder, left ankle disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and right shoulder impingement syndrome were denied as the evidence did not establish service connection due to lack of a diagnosed disability.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to provide the Veteran with additional VA examinations and obtain outstanding medical records. The primary issues are whether any current right ankle disability had its onset in or was caused by active service, including an automobile accident during service, and whether it is at least as likely as not aggravated by a service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and will handle it in accordance with applicable procedures.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected right ankle scar status post arthroscopy, effective from March 19, 2014. The condition is rated under the general provisions for scars as it does not meet the criteria for an unstable or painful scar.

The Veteran's service-connected left leg disability, characterized by marked limitation of motion and ankylosis, is currently rated at 20 percent. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right foot/ankle disability is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee and ankle disabilities, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA examination reports and further development is required.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, and his claim is granted.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to her relocation and the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn, and the Board granted service connection for bilateral ankle strain. The right knee arthritis rating remains at 10 percent, prostate cancer is not service connected, and there are no effective dates provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including gastroesophageal reflux and left ankle disability, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since November 18, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether these disabilities prevent her from securing or following such an occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to incomplete development, including failure to adjudicate certain referred issues. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the left and right ankles were denied as his conditions did not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle disorder did not manifest during his period of service and is not otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities have been denied. The VA has not provided a rating in excess of the current assigned disability ratings.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine, left ankle, right knee with degenerative changes, and left knee conditions do not meet or approximate criteria warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the claim for an increased rating for left ankle degenerative changes was not granted, and service connection for cervical spine degenerative changes (claimed as neck condition), right shoulder rotator cuff tear (claimed as right shoulder condition), and thoracolumbar spine intervertebral disc disease/degenerative changes (claimed as back condition) were also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee sprain and found that the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left ankle disability was first received on June 4, 2009. The effective date for this service connection is set at June 4, 2009. However, the Veteran contends that his initial rating of 10 percent for his left ankle disability is inadequate and requests a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.