Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals were granted, with increased ratings for PTSD and ankle disabilities. The right ear hearing loss was rated as noncompensable, but the effective dates for service connection of diabetic neuropathy in both lower extremities are being remanded.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the highest rating available under Diagnostic Code 5271 for limitation of motion. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as there is no indication of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder, right shoulder rotator cuff disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and bilateral knee disorder were not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability.

The VA denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right knee patellar tendonitis and right ankle degenerative joint disease, as there is no evidence showing that these conditions result in limitation of motion to a degree warranting higher ratings.,VA found that the Veteran’s symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for either his right knee patellar tendonitis or right ankle degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his service-connected conditions did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability was manifested by no worse than marked limitation of motion, and the RO determined that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral ankle disability, to include as secondary to his service-connected pes planus, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for schizoaffective disorder, depressive type; alcohol use disorder; and a right ankle disability. The Veteran's current conditions are considered to be the result of his active service.

The Veteran's residuals of a left ankle fracture are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's asthma disability is presumed to have existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service. The Board denied the remaining claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral knee, left ankle, or skin disabilities. The evidence does not support service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence and an examination, as well as consideration of a separate claim for a temporary 100 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for residuals of left ankle injury prior to July 2, 2010, and as of that date was denied. The current rating schedule adequately describes the Veteran's symptoms and functional limitations.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and to ensure the Veteran's claims are properly developed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lower back spondylolisthesis and right ankle chronic pain, status post surgical repair fracture are being remanded to allow for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, right leg disability (including as secondary to right knee and ankle osteoarthritis), and respiratory disorder. The decision also found that the current ratings for right knee and ankle osteoarthritis were appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle degenerative joint disease is proximately due to his service-connected right knee disability, left knee disability, and left ankle disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's left and right ankle disabilities have been rated at 20 percent since September 11, 2014.,The Veteran's shoulder disabilities have also been rated at 20 percent.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for low back disability, chest pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), left shoulder disability, arthritis, bilateral knee disabilities, left ankle injury, and psychiatric disability. The appeals are now remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a back condition and granted it. The claims for left ankle, right wrist, numbness of hands and arms, right rib, neck, and left elbow conditions were denied.