Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran is seeking service connection for left ankle arthritis and gout with rheumatoid arthritis. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain medical records, arrange for an examination, and determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right leg and ankle conditions, as well as his cervical spine condition, are found to be secondary to his service-connected left ankle fracture.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus and right ankle strain were not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and posttraumatic arthritis of the right ankle were not granted service connection, as there was no evidence of chronic disability during or within one year after service. The Veteran's current right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for OSA has been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim. Service connection is granted.,Service connection is also granted for a bilateral knee disability, low back disability, and bilateral ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee and left ankle disabilities due to insufficient development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address whether the Veteran's current foot, ankle, and lower leg complaints are residuals of frostbite or exposure to cold weather while in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's advanced degenerative osteoarthritis of the left hip, which required a total hip replacement, is as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected left ankle disability. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's claim is for an increased rating for his service-connected left ankle disability. The Board finds that additional evidentiary development is necessary before it can adjudicate the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, as well as further development of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating were denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic right elbow disorder, left foot disorder, or pain in both calf muscles resulting from undiagnosed illness during service. Service connection was also not granted for cardiovascular disease. For the ankle condition, a compensable rating prior to August 2, 2010, and an increased rating as of that date were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and VA treatment records. The Appellant is also to be scheduled for a VA medical examination to determine the nature and etiology of his cervical spine disability, left shoulder disability, and right ankle disability.

The Veteran's left ankle arthritis prior to February 15, 2008 was manifested by pain and limited range of motion. The disability warranted a 10% rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The effective date of the grant of service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, left and right medial collateral ligament strain, and limitation of motion of the right and left knee was assigned as July 31, 1993.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or retaining employment, consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral knee or ankle disorders and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted it. The issues of service connection for left foot neuropathy as secondary to service-connected conditions, and a left ankle disorder are remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and low back disorders due to incomplete VA examination reports, lack of relevant treatment records, and failure to provide adequate opinions regarding aggravation.

The Board has remanded the claims due to issues with obtaining inpatient hospital records and converting the Veteran's separation audiogram. The case will be returned for further development.