Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were adjudicated, and the Board found that some issues warranted a grant of higher ratings while others did not. The mixed disposition reflects both granted and denied issues.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed left foot, ankle, and knee disabilities did not have onset during service or are not related to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral knee and ankle disabilities, but denied his claim for a compensable rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist. The decision is based on the evidence showing that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals of increased ratings for his service-connected right ankle and left hip disabilities have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to determine the appropriate disability rating for his service-connected Reiter's syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from October 6 to October 9, 2009 at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center were for emergency treatment due to a significant injury and could not be safely transferred to a VA facility until his condition stabilized on October 9, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a videoconference hearing before a member of the Board.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle osteochondral defect was pre-existing and did not undergo a chronic worsening beyond its natural progression during or as a result of service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disorder, including residuals of a right ankle sprain and arthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability with radiculopathy had onset within one year of separation from service and is therefore granted.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for respiratory, low back, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities are being REMANDED due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that there is no current hip or right ankle disability and thus, the basic eligibility criteria for service connection are not met with respect to these claims. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification on whether he wants a Board hearing and scheduling of the appropriate type of hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated treatment records and examinations related to his right ankle disability and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issue of increased evaluation for left ankle disability is dismissed.

The Veteran's right ankle fracture occurred over five years ago and has not resulted in any current disability. The Board finds that the claim of service connection for a right ankle disorder is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, arthritis, a bilateral foot disability, and peripheral neuropathy. The appeals are based on direct evidence of these conditions without any presumption or secondary relationship to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining new medical records and an examination regarding her bilateral leg, hip, and ankle disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance. He is also entitled to a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his permanent and total disability resulting from service-connected conditions.