Ankle Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, right ankle surgery residuals, and right hip disorder are not related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant higher ratings for his left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a left ankle disability. The Board also finds that the Veteran's current left ankle disability is related to his active service, including an in-service injury. As such, the criteria for service connection are met.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and verifying her service dates. The case will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities are manifested by complaints of pain, weakness, and lack of endurance, with some functional impairment in daily activities during flare-ups. The medical evidence does not support a higher rating for the right or left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is at least 100 percent from October 1, 2009. The Board granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pes planus and left ankle disorder did not meet the criteria for service connection, as there is no evidence of an in-service onset or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and needs further evaluation of the Veteran's right ankle disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and re-adjudicating the claim.

The Veteran's left ankle strain has not resulted in ankylosis, malunion, or astragalectomy; and the range of motion of the left ankle has not been so functionally limited as to be classified as marked.,The Veteran's left hip strain does not result in any ankylosis, hip flail joint, impairment of the femur, limitation of abduction, limitation of adduction, limitation of rotation, limitation of extension to 5 degrees, or limitation of flexion to 30 degrees.

The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for DJD of the left knee prior to June 1, 2012, and denied entitlement to TDIU prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and opinions regarding the Veteran's claims.

The VA determined that the Veteran's current diagnosed right and left ankle disabilities did not have their onset during service or are otherwise related to active duty. The Board found no evidence of chronic symptoms in service, and there is no showing of arthritis within one year post-service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of his left knee and ankle disorders.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is manifested by pain, instability, weakness, and incoordination, but no more than moderate limitation of motion. The Board finds that the criteria for an initial disability rating of 20 percent have been met.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 20 percent, effective March 11, 2011. The claims for hypertension and anxiety/depressive disorder were denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims. Service connection for bilateral knee disorders, hearing loss, tinnitus, hip disorder, ankle disorders, and lumbar spine disorder are all denied.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is service-connected as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disorder. The claims for service connection for the left shoulder and chloracne are denied.