Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's osteoarthrrtis and gout of the first MTPPJ space of the right and left foot, hallux valgus of the right and left foot, bilateral pes planus with bunions and status post plantar fasciitis, and gout, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and residuals of a fracture of the lateral malleolus of the right ankle are all rated as 20 percent for osteoarthrrtis and gout of the first MTPPJ space of the right and left foot. The Veteran's hallux valgus, bilateral pes planus with bunions and status post plantar fasciitis, and gout, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and residuals of a fracture of the lateral malleolus of the right ankle are all rated as 10 percent.

The Veteran's current mild right foot/ankle disability is found to be at least as likely as not incurred during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for back, bilateral hip, left ankle, and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's right ankle injury, which may be associated with an in-service event. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, related to service.,There is no evidence of a current right ankle disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for allergic rhinitis and a right ankle disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle sprain is manifested by intermittent pain, stiffness, weakness, and swelling. The VA has granted an initial rating of 10 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been reopened and granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's current diagnosed bilateral hand, foot, ankle, leg, and tarsal tunnel disorders are related to his period of active service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's left ankle disorder, specifically left ankle tendonitis, was incurred in active service. The claim for hypertension is remanded as additional development and examination are needed to determine if it is related to service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating in excess of 20 percent for a left ankle disability and a rating in excess of 10 percent for DJD of the left hip has been dismissed due to withdrawal by the Veteran's representative.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right shoulder or right ankle disability, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.,Regarding GERD, while the Veteran currently has this condition, there is no probative medical evidence linking it to her in-service gastrointestinal issues. The claim of service connection for GERD is therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disability, diagnosed as a chronic right ankle sprain with lateral instability, is more likely than not related to his military service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, an increased rating for right carpal tunnel syndrome, and initial evaluations greater than 10 percent for right wrist and ankle surgical scars. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a left ankle disability and granted it on the merits, finding that there is sufficient evidence to establish that the Veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the left ankle had its onset during active military service.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective February 22, 1994. The VA examiner found no ankylosis and noted moderate effects on the Veteran's usual daily activities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for a VA examination. The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his left ankle disorder, which has been rated at 20 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right, left, and bilateral knee disabilities are not related to service. The claims for secondary service connection were also denied as there was no established primary service-connected disability.

The Veteran's kidney removal was not due to service, and the low back disability does not warrant a higher rating.,The left knee disability is already rated at its highest possible level of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of right ankle sprain is granted as the current disability is attributable to in-service injuries.