Ankle Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disorder and a right ankle disorder, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence/aggravation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as her conditions did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, left knee pain, and bilateral ankle sprains were denied as they are not related to service. The claim for increased evaluation of migraines prior to March 4, 2013 was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus disability is rated at 50 percent effective January 28, 2015. The Veteran is granted a compensable rating for left foot hallux valgus and right and left lower extremity scars. The Veteran's right hammer toes and left hammer toes are each assigned initial 10 percent ratings. The Veteran's lower left and right ankle equines disabilities are each rated as non-compensable.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate VA opinions regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has reopened the issue of whether the Veteran's character of discharge from his period of service is a bar to VA benefits, but the issues of service connection for various conditions remain pending.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depressive disorder. The claims of service connection for a low back disability, joint pain, hepatitis C, and tinea pedis are remanded.

The Board has remanded the TDIU issue due to a lack of SSA records and for consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) given the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a VA orthopedic examination.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle strain, right foot disability, and left thumb injury have been granted initial ratings of 10 percent each. The acquired psychiatric disorder remains in dispute.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and providing an addendum opinion from a VA physician.

The Board found that the Veteran's right elbow and ankle disabilities do not warrant higher initial ratings throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left foot disability was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition more closely approximated a severe foot injury or pronounced unilateral acquired flatfoot with marked pronation, extreme tenderness of plantar surfaces of the feet, marked inward displacement and severe spasm of the tendo achillis on manipulation, not improved by orthopedic shoes or appliances.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is not related to her service and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of a fractured talus of the right ankle was denied as his disability is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ankle, hip, and low back disabilities due to the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle inversion sprain, claimed as arthritis in the right foot and broken right ankle and right foot, is being remanded due to an inadequate VA examination. The examiner's opinion was internally inconsistent and contained factual errors.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a left arm, bilateral foot or bilateral ankle disability. As such, the Veteran's claims for service connection are denied.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, left knee disorder, right shoulder disorder, and right knee disorder. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disorder was not addressed as it is not related to the issues on appeal.,Service connection for epididymitis was also denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right ankle disorder due to inadequate medical opinion and need for additional evidence.