Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbosacral sprain with degenerative changes, degenerative disc disease, left ankle fracture residuals, and right middle finger fracture residuals, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that his TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left ankle disorder was denied. The VA determined that the current 20 percent disability rating adequately reflects the severity and symptomatology of his condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of right and left ankle fractures. The issue of service connection for a right knee disorder remains pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, left ankle disability, and a sinus condition. The right knee and left ankle disabilities are found to be related to active service, while the sinus condition is resolved from surgery performed in 2007.

The Veteran's pilar cysts of the scalp are etiologically related to active duty service and therefore, service connection is granted. The claim for a left ankle disability remains pending as it has not been adjudicated by the AOJ.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a right ankle fracture, finding that the Veteran's claim was not supported by sufficient evidence to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions were denied as they are not related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's low back disorder is rated at 40 percent, the highest available rating for a lumbar spine disability. The other issues are either granted or referred to the AOJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disorder is not related to service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle disability is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a link between his in-service injury and current condition. The hypertension claim was remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle and left knee disorders are not related to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, and that there was no evidence of a cervical disorder or bilateral hip/knee/shoulder/ankle disorders related to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and retain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has restored the Veteran's service-connected ratings for status post contusion, right wrist, left ankle strain, and right ankle strain to 10 percent effective June 11, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling VA examinations. The issues on appeal include service connection for low back, left knee, and left ankle disabilities; a higher rating for headaches; and TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records and an examination for his right shoulder, left knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature, extent and etiology of the Veteran's current right ankle/leg disorder. The case will be returned for further review after completion of this development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ankle disorder or plantar fasciitis, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The Board also found no medical evidence linking the Veteran's current plantar fasciitis to his service-connected left knee disability.