Ankle Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and ankle conditions, as well as a claim for an increased rating for residuals of a left tibia fracture. The evidence did not support finding that these conditions were caused or aggravated by his service-connected left leg disability.

The VA examiner determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip and ankle degenerative joint disease are not related to service, as they manifested many years after separation from service. The conditions are considered biomechanical in nature and not linked to toxic exposures or other service events.

The Veteran's Raynaud's disease, diagnosed as a result of cold weather injury in service, is granted. The Board also finds that the Veteran has current manifestations of plantar fasciitis and bilateral ankle disorder, both related to her service. However, there are no findings or opinions regarding the left wrist disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability was denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic right knee disorder during service and concluded that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and clarifying the nature of his right knee disability.

The Veteran's right ankle disability has been characterized by some limitation of motion and difficulty standing for extended periods. A rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted as there is no evidence of ankylosis or a foot injury that is 'severe' in nature.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including additional examinations and consideration of his service connection claims. His TDIU claim will also be considered.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of degenerative arthritis of the left ankle is related to his active service, and the Board finds that reasonable doubt has been resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD with depressive disorder and insomnia resulted in occupational and social deficiencies, warranting a 70 percent rating. His bilateral hearing loss is not compensable. The Veteran was granted service connection for his headache disability and right ankle disability but denied service connection for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed heart disorder, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, bilateral ankle disorder, and bilateral knee disorder are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic right ankle disability and right CTS, which represents a complete grant of the benefits sought on appeal.,For left CTS, the claim is remanded as there are incomplete records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left foot plantar fasciitis is granted, and his service connection claims for low back disability and left knee disability are granted. The claim for service connection for left foot numbness remains pending.

The Veteran was awarded a TDIU rating effective from April 30, 2004 due to his service-connected disabilities. The effective date of April 30, 2003 is granted as he met the schedular criteria for a TDIU during this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The remaining issues on appeal are addressed below.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure. The Board finds that the Veteran's low back, right hip, and bilateral ankle disorders are not directly related to service.

The Board has granted a 20% rating for the Veteran's right ankle disability and found that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran has tinnitus that is the result of disease or injury incurred during active military service. The Board finds the Veteran's statements regarding an in-service onset of tinnitus to be credible and grants service connection for tinnitus.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his military service and therefore, denies service connection for a low back disability. The left ankle disability claim will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for a left ankle disability. The Veteran must be provided with a Statement of the Case on this issue.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA examination reports.