Ankle Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of sacroiliac joint strain, pharyngitis, gastritis, or heart disability related to service.,Service connection for bilateral ankle injuries is denied.

The Veteran's increased disability ratings for PTSD and osteoarthritis of the right ankle were denied, while his rating for an injury to Muscle Group I was granted. The TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the irregular heartbeat claim. The Board found that service connection for bilateral pes planus, a skin disorder claimed as acne and razor burn, and bilateral wrist disability is not warranted based on lack of evidence of an increase in severity during service or aggravation by service.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is currently evaluated at a 20 percent rating, which reflects limitation of motion. The claim for an increased rating has been granted.

The Veteran's left ankle disability, which includes a residual avulsion fracture with degenerative joint disease, does not result in any limitation of range of motion or pain on motion. As such, the criteria for an initial compensable rating have not been met.

The Veteran's claims for tinnitus, night sweats, chest pain, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and left knee disability have all been denied. The Veteran was granted service connection for temporomandibular joint disorder (jaw pain).,No specific rating or effective date has been assigned in this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle fracture was not incurred in line of duty due to his own misconduct, specifically driving under the influence of alcohol. As a result, service connection for this disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to assess the current severity of his right knee, left knee, right ankle, and postoperative right knee scar disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for scheduling a video conference hearing due to his failure to appear at the previously scheduled hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims that a December 1997 rating decision, which denied service connection for a back disability and feet and ankles swelling and bleeding, was clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral ankle disorder are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional disability resulting from VA medical treatment in 1977, 1978, and 1979. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to determine if the Veteran's current left ankle disability may be attributed to carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment, or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new examination to evaluate his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea and granted it. The other claims are pending further development.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left ankle disorder that he believes is secondary to his already service-connected closed head injury residuals with basilar skull fracture and gait ataxia. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion, is necessary before the case can be fully adjudicated.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period from May 10, 2011 is granted. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his left ankle disability, as well as any worsening since the last VA examination in April 2010.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 40 percent effective September 1, 2012. The previous rating of 10 percent prior to that date is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The evidence does not establish a current disability in these areas as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.