Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for residuals of left ankle fracture with recurring ankle sprains was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of his disability.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5271 for limitation of motion. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Reiter's Syndrome or currently diagnosed disabilities of the bilateral wrists and ankles. The May 2012 VA examination report is highly persuasive regarding these issues.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and confirming school/work absences. The Veteran's initial ratings for migraine headaches, seborrheic dermatitis, and right ankle sprain will be reviewed after these developments.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, right ankle disability, left ankle degenerative changes with talonavicular joint involvement, and bilateral knee disability as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected shrapnel wound scars affecting his right ankle, right thigh, left thigh, and left buttock were denied as the Veteran did not report for a VA examination to evaluate these conditions.

The Veteran's left ankle strain has not been shown to be productive of marked limitation of motion prior to June 21, 2011. The Board found that the disability rating should remain at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosed back disorder is at least as likely as not related to her military service, and thus service connection for a back disorder is granted.

The Board has ordered additional development of the claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and considering new evidence submitted by the Veteran's representative. The case will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain service treatment records, arrange for examinations, and ensure that the claims are adjudicated on a complete evidentiary record.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing before the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania RO.

The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for arthritis of the knees and ankles, as the Veteran's assertions were not supported by medical evidence. The June 1999 rating decision remains final.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including post-operative residuals of a fractured right distal tibia and fibula, lumbar DDD, patellofemoral arthritis of the right knee, residual scar on the right ankle, and osteoarthritis of the right foot, have been found to be so disabling as to preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of otitis media, left ear; back disability; or ankle disability. The claims for these conditions were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional evidentiary development, including obtaining outstanding medical records and providing a VA examination. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle, low back, right knee, and right shoulder disorders. The diagnoses were not supported by evidence showing a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right knee, right ankle, left ankle disabilities and PTSD. The claims for reopening previously denied left knee and PTSD were granted due to new evidence received.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder is likely aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities. The left eye trauma may be related to a foreign body in the eye during service, but no current diagnosis has been established. His hearing loss is presumed to have occurred due to noise exposure in service. The right flank injury is not believed to be related to service.,The Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder is likely aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities. The left eye trauma may be related to a foreign body in the eye during service, but no current diagnosis has been established. His hearing loss is presumed to have occurred due to noise exposure in service. The right flank injury is not believed to be related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining clarification from the Veteran regarding his treatment and where he received treatment in service. The Veteran is also required to provide information about his current treatment for sciatic nerve issues and lower back pain.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder is characterized by arthritis and limitation of motion. The Board found that the evidence did not indicate marked limitation of motion, thus a higher initial rating for his service-connected right ankle disorder was denied.