Ankle Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back and right ankle disorders, which are secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. Additional records will be obtained and a new opinion will be provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including DJD of the lumbar spine, residuals of a right ankle injury, and residuals of a right knee injury, have rendered him unemployable. The Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental VA opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder and a back disorder due to incomplete consideration of all relevant evidence, including the Veteran's lay statements regarding continuous symptoms since service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right ankle symptoms are not related to his service injury and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee and right ankle disabilities, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder, right ankle, and right knee disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after service. The VA examiners found no evidence of aggravation beyond expected progression.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ankle disability and there is no evidence linking any such disability to service. As such, the claim for service connection for a right ankle disability is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ankle residuals do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his injury involved minimal muscle damage.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disability, bilateral ankle and foot disabilities, and a skin rash disability due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the left ankle and fibula disability is manifested by symptoms resulting in moderate ankle disability due to pain and limited motion. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a right ankle disability. The Board has determined that an additional examination and opinion are necessary to address the claim.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, migraine headaches, lumbosacral spine strain, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The RO has already granted a 100% rating for coronary artery disease effective October 30, 2014. Other issues remain pending.

The Veteran's residuals of a right medial tibial plateau stress fracture are proximately due to or the result of her service-connected left hip disorder, and therefore service connection is granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from April 18, 2011 to July 12, 2013. The Board also dismissed the remaining claims for higher ratings and service connection.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been manifested by symptoms of swelling, popping, rolling, and pain. From March 27, 2008 to October 9, 2008, the disability was not manifested by marked limitation of motion or impairment of the fibula with moderate ankle disability. From October 9, 2008 to December 13, 2014, the disability has been manifested by symptoms of swelling, pain on motion, and tenderness, with noncompensable limitation of motion due to pain. The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and Social Security Administration records. The Veteran's representative suggested an addendum opinion regarding his GERD claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's current conditions, including Morton's neuroma and right ankle pain, are not related to his service or any incident therein. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities have been rated at 10 percent prior to August 26, 2014 and at 30 percent thereafter. The Board found no evidence of marked limitation of motion or ankylosis that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's left ankle disability, chronic herpes progenitalis and condyloma of the scrotum (skin rash), and tinea pedis with history of tinea corporis have been granted service connection. However, he is only entitled to a non-compensable rating for his skin conditions.