Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and readjudication, including obtaining updated VA examination opinions regarding the severity of his right ankle disability.

The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's ankle/foot disability, including whether it is related to his service-connected left knee injury. The examiner will also address any other diagnosed foot conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions have caused or aggravated his gouty arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed hand, ankle, and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at the maximum schedular rating, and his right elbow disability does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating. The appeals are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a respiratory disorder (including bronchitis and COPD), residuals of a right thigh/hip injury, residuals of a left thumb injury, malaria, a right foot or ankle disability, a left knee disability, and a right shoulder disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right ankle strain was not sustained during service, nor did it result from an in-service injury or event. The criteria for service connection are not met.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, but denied service connection for a bilateral ankle disorder. The Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is likely caused by carrying heavy equipment and walking on rocky terrain while in combat in Iraq.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, and increased rating have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of his claimed conditions are related to military service or due to VA care.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold minimum rating requirements and that he cannot be considered unemployable solely based on these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for automotive assistance and adaptive equipment was denied as she does not meet the criteria for loss of use of one or both feet due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.,It was not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's right knee sprain with instability and left knee sprain with instability increased to a 10 percent disability rating prior to November 24, 2008.,The Veteran's left osteoarthritis acromioclavicular joint with subacromial bursitis is manifested by limitation of motion at shoulder level but not anklyosis. The effective date for the 10 percent rating remains unchanged as it was granted on July 10, 2009.,The Veteran's Achilles tendonitis with osteoarthritis, right ankle and left ankle are both currently rated at 10 percent and have no evidence of ankylosis or other significant impairment. The effective date for the 10 percent ratings remains unchanged as they were granted on July 10, 2009.,For the entirety of the period on appeal, the Veteran's PTSD is manifested by occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is not related to his service and denies the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50% and his right ankle disability remains at 10%. The claims for lumbar spine, right shoulder, right knee, left ankle disabilities are not addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot condition (trench foot) has been reopened. The other issues remain pending and are evaluated on their merits.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and an orthopedic examination. The claims for automobile and housing benefits are also being remanded due to the need for readjudication in light of recent rating determinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting the grant of SMC based on this need.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right ankle disability did not originate during service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and lumbosacral spine disorders, each assigned a 10 percent disability rating, effective July 26, 2004. The right ankle claim remains on hold as it is not part of the current appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claims for obstructive sleep apnea, right and left knee disorders, hip pain, and ankle disabilities have been granted. Separate ratings of 10 percent each are assigned for the right and left knee disorders.