Ankle Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete rationale in a previous VA opinion regarding the Veteran's leg length discrepancy and its relationship to his service-connected right knee disability, as well as the potential aggravation of other disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and left thigh disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The VA medical opinions provided significant weight to the conclusion that any current low back or left thigh disability is less likely caused by or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after appropriate action has been taken.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,For her claim of service connection for feminine problems, to include tubal ligation and unusual menstrual cycles, the Board finds that she has submitted sufficient evidence to reopen her claim.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested to withdraw all his appeals except for the claim of entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service for the left ankle, and his back and psychiatric conditions are not shown to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The preponderance of the evidence fails to establish a relationship between his current sleep apnea and his service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his left ankle disability or hemorrhoids. The issues of service connection for stomach disorder, low back disorder, upper back pain, and bilateral blood clots of the legs were also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and special monthly compensation need to be remanded due to incomplete evaluations and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling since November 23, 2011. The VA examiner found that the Veteran had full dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of her right ankle at worst to 15 degrees with pain on motion.

Service connection for a skin disorder (chloracne) has been reopened and granted.,No service connection issues were resolved in this decision.,Right foot hallux valgus was found to be related to the service-connected right knee disability, but not due to service exposure or combat.,Right hip degenerative joint disease is secondary to the service-connected right knee arthritis.,Right ankle disorder is also secondary to the service-connected right knee disability.,Lumbar spine arthritis is not related to service and was found to be secondary to the service-connected right knee disability.,No eyelid disorder has been established as a result of service or exposure.,Residual acne scars from chloracne are considered service connected due to herbicide exposure.,Respiratory disorders (COPD, chronic bronchitis) were not related to service and are presumed due to Agent Orange exposure.,Prostate disorder is also presumed to be due to herbicide or trichloroethylene exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for injuries sustained on July 31, 1976.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for low back, right knee, right ankle, and left ankle disorders due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. However, the underlying merits of these claims remain pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a left ankle sprain. The Veteran's current left ankle sprain is found to have its onset during her period of service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot and ankle disabilities have been reopened. The claim for back disability is pending, with the decision on whether it meets the criteria for 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 benefits being mixed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for mild degenerative changes of the left foot and phlebolymphedema involving the left foot, ankle, and lower leg. The claim remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claims of entitlement to compensation pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for an additional left ankle/left foot disability, as well as his service connection claims for kidney disorder and diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The denial was based on a lack of evidence showing carelessness or negligence by VA in the treatment provided.

The Board found that the appellant's preexisting right ankle fracture did not worsen during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's back and right ankle disabilities.