Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic arthritis of the left and right ankles, do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his occupational experience.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to ensure an informed decision regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, as well as his claim for a higher rating for bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left ankle was rated at 10% prior to November 11, 2011. After a VA examination and considering his symptoms including marked limitation of motion, he is now entitled to a 20% rating for this period.

The Board has found that the Veteran's service connection claims for old granulomatous disease of the lungs, a recurrent left foot heel spur and residuals thereof, degenerative joint disease of the right thumb, right ankle, and left ankle are granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and tendonitis disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for dependency allowance for a spouse is denied as the earliest possible effective date is November 1, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disability is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of left ankle disability remains pending as it involves a secondary relationship.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary in order to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death. The appellant must provide information about medical providers who treated her husband prior to his death, and VA will attempt to obtain these records.

The Board has determined that there are no current disabilities related to the Veteran's claimed respiratory disorder, lower back disorder, peripheral neuropathy, right ankle disorder, or left ankle disorder. As such, service connection is denied for all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is currently rated as 0 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5271, for moderate limited motion of the ankle. The appeal has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to her active service and has granted service connection for this condition. The issue of a left ankle disorder, including lymphedema, remains pending as additional development is needed.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle and patella disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, but the Board finds that neither condition warrants a higher rating based on current evidence of record.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a vocational examination to evaluate the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II was withdrawn prior to the Board's decision. The remaining claims of service connection for a respiratory disorder, bilateral ankle disability, and bilateral knee disability are remanded.

The Veteran's left ankle tendonitis is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition without ankylosis. The appeal is denied as there is no evidence of left ankle ankylosis in the medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for a general disorder of the joints and muscles. The Board found that new and material evidence had been received to reopen his left knee disability claim, but denied all other claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and records. The case will be readjudicated after the completion of these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed low back or left ankle disability, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective July 9, 2007. His asthma remains rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and right ankle disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board denied both claims.