Ankle Board decisions

The Board has ordered a new VA opinion to determine if the Veteran's service-connected DVT with discoloration, varicose veins, and right medial ankle stasis ulcer contributed to his death. The appellant is also provided VCAA notice regarding the issue of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation for left ankle fracture was denied. The Board also found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for a higher rating from June 1, 2005 until September 19, 2009 and granted a 20% evaluation as of September 19, 2009. Service connection for PTSD was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic right upper leg disorder, chronic right foot drop, and chronic right ankle disorder were denied. The claim for a chronic lumbar spine disorder was also denied as it is not related to service-connected disability.

The Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities have been granted increased ratings of 20 percent each, effective November 18, 2009. The disabilities are rated based on limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's varicose veins of the left and right lower extremities are due to disease or injury incurred in service, warranting service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for DJD of all joints, finding that his current DJD is not related to his active service and is more likely due to rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal of service connection for traumatic injuries to both feet is withdrawn. The claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus and a chronic left ankle disability have been reopened due to new and material evidence, but the issues remain undecided as there was no decision on the merits.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports her current psychiatric disabilities, which are likely related to in-service stressors and domestic abuse.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disorders as secondary to her service-connected left knee disability are being reopened. The Board is requesting additional medical opinions and records in order to properly assess the relationship between these conditions and her service-connected left knee disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for compliance with VA's duty to notify, as well as a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination and notification under VCAA. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate examinations to determine the nature and extent of his service-connected right ankle and left heel disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle adductor tendonitis is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The VA examiner found moderate limitation of motion in the ankle.

The Board has remanded the case due to concerns about the cause of death and the need for a medical opinion regarding whether any service-connected conditions contributed to the Veteran's failure to thrive.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a scheduling issue.

The Veteran's medical treatment at Florida Hospital on July 29, 2004 was not for a service-connected disability and was not an emergency requiring immediate attention. The Board found the Veteran did not meet the criteria for payment under the Millennium Bill Act.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that TDIU is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, left ankle, and bilateral knee conditions have been granted. The diagnoses are all related to in-service injuries or diseases.

The Veteran's congenital instability of the right ankle is not a disease that was incurred in or aggravated by service or by a service-connected disability.