Ankle Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right foot/ankle disability, finding that there is reasonable possibility of substantiating his claim based on new evidence submitted since the prior denial. The Veteran's current diagnosed right ankle disability is found to be related to his active military service.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability was found to have originated in service and is granted. The low back, right leg (including the knee), right ankle, and right foot disabilities are not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure. Service connection was not established for a left ankle disorder due to lack of evidence showing its onset during active duty or being otherwise related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not incur an injury or disease to his left knee in service and currently does not have symptoms or a diagnosis of a left knee disorder. His bilateral ankle strain is also not etiologically related to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and left knee disabilities, including as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's appeal involves three issues: increased ratings for left foot DJD and ankle disability, as well as service connection for a low back disorder. The Board has determined that further development is needed before these claims can be decided.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was granted service connection. Initial compensable ratings for his left and right ankle disabilities were granted from July 6, 2009 to June 12, 2011 with a rating of 10 percent each.,Ratings higher than 10 percent for the Veteran's left and right ankle disabilities were granted from June 13, 2011 to April 3, 2014 with a rating of 20 percent each. However, ratings higher than 20 percent since April 4, 2014 have been denied.,The Veteran's service-connected ankle disabilities are rated based on the criteria for limitation of motion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cellulitis of the bilateral feet and a left ankle disability, to include osteomyelitis.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as PTSD, is found to have been incurred during his military service. The right ankle disorder has also been linked to his service and a rating of 30 percent is assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from being able to avoid the hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment without assistance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of left ankle fracture with an effective date of July 31, 2009. The appeal is denied as the Veteran's claim was received more than one year after separation from service.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, which includes chronic pain and marked limitation of motion, is rated at 20 percent for the entire appeal period.

The Board granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and denied service connection for pes planus, bilateral ankle disability, and tinnitus. The effective date remains at the date of receipt of the claim (April 10, 2009).

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left ankle disability. The claims will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities have been granted increased initial ratings of 10% each since February 6, 2008.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot, right ankle, and right leg conditions. The case will be remanded for an addendum opinion regarding the proper classification of the Veteran's bilateral foot condition and whether it is related to his active military service or a pre-existing motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's right lower sensory deficit of the cutaneous nerve is rated at 10 percent, effective from the date of service connection. The appeal for corneal degeneration arcus senilis was withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues, including a hearing for the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee and right foot/ankle disabilities are not related to his service, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for these conditions.