Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total disability rating (TTR) for fused left ankle with traumatic spur and osteoarthritis and plantar fasciitis, based on treatment necessitating convalescence, was denied as there is no indication of additional surgery or severe postoperative residuals during the period in question.

The Veteran's service connection claim for right and left ankle sprain and weakness, to include as secondary to her service-connected status post bunionectomy of the right and left great toes, was granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's compound fracture of the upper third, left fibula has been rated at the highest available schedular rating (30%) throughout the appeal period. No new issues have arisen that would warrant a different rating.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before adjudication of the issues on appeal, including obtaining SSA disability determination and medical records associated with the determination, providing a new VA examination for the Veteran's low back disability, and scheduling another VA examination to determine if the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle disability is not related to her military service and denied her claim.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 30 percent, reflecting ankylosis in plantar flexion between 30 and 40 degrees.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete service treatment records and VA medical records.

The appeal is being remanded due to missing VA outpatient records and the need for additional examinations to determine the nature, extent, onset, and etiology of any hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, back, right knee, left knee, right ankle, left ankle, right foot or left foot disability found to be present.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right ankle disorder for which service connection can be granted. As such, his claim for service connection for a right ankle disorder is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current condition is attributable to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for left ankle disability was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including osteoarthritis of the ankles and knees.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus, right ankle disability, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's current symptoms of flat feet were not shown to be related to his active duty service, while the right ankle disability was resolved without residual issues. Service-connected migraine headaches are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection or higher ratings for most conditions, with some exceptions.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the Veteran's claimed conditions and denied her claims for service connection.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's left ankle osteochondritis as of September 11, 2007. Prior to that date, the disability was rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's initial grant of service connection for arthritis of the right ankle was upheld, and a rating in excess of 10 percent is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran wishes to pursue his left ankle disability claim. The AMC will schedule an examination of the left ankle and re-adjudicate the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee and ankle arthritis is service-connected, as there is a continuity of symptoms since his last period of active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, wrist, and elbow disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of a disease or injury in service that could be linked to the current conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities as well as bilateral tinnitus and degenerative disc disease of the spine. The evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.