Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating and earlier effective date for pain in the shoulders, knees, and ankles was denied. The RO granted service connection based on new evidence but did not issue a final decision.

The Veteran's left ankle/foot disability, characterized as traumatic arthritis with limitation of motion and claw foot, has been rated at 30 percent since September 19, 2006. The current rating is appropriate given the findings from the July 2009 VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA/privately held treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for arthritis of the ankles, hips, low back, and shin splints due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, right ankle disorder, and left hip disorder. The issues of secondary service connection have been addressed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of a left ankle fracture is denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to address whether the definition of ankylosis includes total fixation or limited motion.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disorder is rated at 20 percent prior to September 1, 2009 and at 30 percent from September 1, 2009. The Board has also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claimed bilateral ankle, shin, knee, hip, low back, and hemorrhoid disorders are not service-connected as they were not present in service or caused by his service-connected pes planus valgus with calcaneal fat pad syndrome.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his previously denied claim for a psychiatric disorder. The cervical spine strain claim was also denied as there is no medical opinion linking it to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel and medical records, as well as arranging for an examination. The Appellant's claim of having sustained ankle injuries during his active duty military tour from March 1978 to March 1981 is also considered.

The Board's decision on the right knee and right ankle disorders is dismissed due to a remand by the Court.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left leg and ankle disability is related to his military service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further readjudication due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his right ankle condition and hypertension do not warrant higher evaluations under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing benefits due to his combined disability rating and employment status.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral ankle disability and denied his claim for service connection. The Board also noted that there is no in-service treatment record of an ankle injury, but did not provide a VA examination or opinion regarding the knee disability.

The Veteran's chronic low back strain is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has granted a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of right and left ankle fractures. Service connection for anxiety disorder and arthritis of the ankles to include as secondary to service-connected ankle fractures was also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including VA examinations and readjudication of service connection claims. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination. The Veteran is also asked to provide additional information regarding his undiagnosed illness claim.