Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to December 13, 1999, for the grant of service connection for a postoperative scar of the left ankle and tinnitus were denied as there was no earlier claim received within one year following separation from service.

The Veteran's left ankle disability has been rated as noncompensable from October 1, 2005 to February 14, 2011 and increased to 10 percent effective February 15, 2011. The right ankle disability was also rated as noncompensable until February 15, 2011 when it was increased to 20 percent.

The Board has determined that further examination and medical opinions are needed to determine the current existence of left knee, ankle, and foot disabilities and their relationship to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded to the RO.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right ankle disability was denied, as the existing 20 percent rating is considered most appropriate given the current range of motion. His claim for service connection for a right knee disability secondary to his right ankle disability was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a hearing notification error, and the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his current right foot, left foot, and right ankle strain disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are so disabling as to prevent him from dressing himself and frequently adjusting his special orthopedic appliance without aid, meeting the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary prior to the adjudication of this claim due to conflicting statements regarding when and how the Veteran's left ankle condition began. The case is REMANDED for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran currently has a left ankle disability, whether it was caused or aggravated by his active duty service, and to assign any appropriate rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disorder is not service-connected, but his right knee disorder and ulcerative colitis are granted.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, which includes a healed fracture and osteoarthritis, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff tear was granted an initial 10% evaluation from August 6, 2007 to November 5, 2009. Effective dates for the grants of service connection for right and left ankle disorders are pending.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional VA medical records and for the Veteran to submit any pertinent VA medical records related to his left foot/ankle surgery. The case will be readjudicated after all development is completed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations to determine service connection for various conditions, including Gulf War Syndrome, obesity, joint disorders, psychiatric disorder (PTSD), skin condition, headaches, and high blood pressure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability began in service and has continued since then, granting service connection.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was found to be manifested by marked limitation of motion, warranting a 20 percent rating prior to April 19, 2011. The appeal is granted for this period.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine if a retrospective medical opinion is necessary and for consideration of assignment of TDIU based on an extraschedular basis for the period prior to October 19, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and readjudication of his service connection claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for a 40% rating for his left ankle disability and also denied his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Board found that there was no evidence of entitlement prior to July 1, 2007, and concluded that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the Veteran's periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA in the Army National Guard. The case is now remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current disabilities and his service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is not granted any initial ratings as his claims are being returned to the RO/AMC for further consideration.