Ankle Board decisions

The Board has found that the VA examination reports are deficient and requires additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's right ankle disorder. The claims for service connection will be remanded to allow for this development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for her left ankle condition was denied, as the evidence did not support a finding of more than moderate limitation of motion. The issue regarding secondary service connection for plantar digital neuropathy was also addressed and found to be without merit.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left ankle fracture is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's residuals of a right ankle injury resulted in pain, instability, weakness, and marked limited motion. The Board found that the disability warranted a 20 percent rating under DC 5271.

The Board found that the Veteran's left ankle degenerative joint disease did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise etiologically related to his active service. The claim for gout with rheumatoid arthritis was not adjudicated as it was not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and right ankle degenerative joint disease was denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to December 13, 2011, or in excess of 20 percent after that date.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a diagnosed bilateral ankle disability, cervical spine disability, gastrointestinal (GI) disability, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), or frostbite of the toes during service or within one year of separation. Therefore, these claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left hip, leg, and ankle disabilities are not related to his active service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain complete medical records and to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and updated treatment records. The issues of increased rating for right ankle fracture and TDIU are also being addressed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a left ankle sprain and residuals of a left knee injury have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with an opportunity to submit lay statements. The VA examiner will provide an addendum opinion addressing the new evidence and the Veteran's reports of in-service and post-service low back and right ankle symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to schedule a Travel Board hearing for the Veteran. The Veteran's appeal is now pending and will be scheduled for a hearing.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development and examination, including an addendum opinion regarding service connection.

The Board has remanded this case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing. The appeal is not about service connection at all, as it pertains to scheduling issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA and SSA records, which need to be obtained for proper adjudication of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected left foot disability, including status post left heel fracture with plantar fasciitis and left ankle DJD, has been rated at 20 percent since April 28, 2006. The Board found that the evidence supports a rating of 30 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and development of his medical records.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU since January 13, 2003, due to his service-connected disabilities making him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran is currently service-connected for several disabilities, but the Board finds that a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management is not necessary for him to obtain or maintain employment in his chosen field.