Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's right ankle disability was initially rated at 10 percent effective March 13, 2008. The Board has determined that the disability most closely approximated moderate limitation of motion prior to November 14, 2013 and marked limitation of motion from that date onward.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of her residuals of a right ankle strain, stress fractures of both tibiae, and allergic rhinitis are denied as there is no evidence showing impairment warranting higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disorder is currently evaluated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5271 for 'limited motion of the ankle.' The VA examiner found no signs of instability or tendon abnormality and noted mild weakness in resisted plantar flexion compared to the right ankle. No other issues were raised during the appeal process.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disability and compensation under the provisions of U.S.C.A. § 1151 for left hip, leg, and foot disabilities, claiming they were caused by VA treatment.

The Veteran's right ankle and shoulder disabilities were not caused by participation in VA vocational rehabilitation training, and the Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for these conditions. The claim for PTSD was also denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish a service-connected stressor.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and ankle disorders, finding no evidence of in-service injury or chronic symptoms. The acquired psychiatric disability claim is addressed separately.

The Veteran's asthma was aggravated during service, and her left knee disability is due to military service. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's combined rating was 80% prior to his death in December 2009, and 90% thereafter. The service-connected disabilities met the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU, but did not render him unemployable due to their impact on his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture manifested by pain and found that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is related to his in-service injury. The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee disability, to include as secondary to a right ankle disability, remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to outstanding VA treatment records, including those related to the Veteran's right ankle disorder, eye disorder, and left inguinal hernia repair with stable scar. The Veteran is advised to submit any additional evidence in support of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling appropriate VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are too numerous and severe to identify a feasible vocational goal, leading to the denial of his VR&E benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, back disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, respiratory disorder (presumed due to herbicide exposure), and GERD, are not related to his active service. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that there is no proof of current disabilities for the right arm or elbow, low back, and bilateral ankle conditions. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee and right ankle disabilities, as well as his claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's right ankle condition, characterized by myofascial pain syndrome with lateral laxity, has been rated at 10 percent since June 10, 2008. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to marked limitation of motion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to clarify the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, including ankle, knee, low back, and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle pain is found to be related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus, and thus he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle disabilities have been reopened, but new evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.,Service connection has not been established for hearing loss or tinnitus as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.