Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The initial rating for degenerative joint disease of the right foot was not granted as greater than 10 percent prior to November 18, 2009, and greater than 20 percent thereafter. Other claims for service connection or increased ratings were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder contributed to his fatal cardiomyopathy, reducing his ability to rehabilitate and medicate which caused a more rapid deterioration of his physical health and condition. The Board finds that the Veteran's psychiatric disability was not the only contributing cause of his death but did contribute.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, lumbar spine, and bilateral hip disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral superolateral hip joint space narrowing with chronic left hip strain and left hip malformation, as well as minimal degenerative changes to the knees. The Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder is found less likely than not caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder, right knee disorder, low back disorder, and right shoulder disorder are all service-connected.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral foot disability, including pes planus. The Veteran's current bilateral foot disability is found to be at least as likely as not related to his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and residuals of ankle strains due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has denied the appellant's claim for reimbursement of additional transportation costs related to the burial of her deceased husband, as he was not buried in a national cemetery or state-owned cemetery used solely for persons eligible for burial in a national cemetery.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorders, migraine headaches, bilateral ankle disorders, bilateral shoulder disorders, a heart disorder, and a skin rash affecting the face, neck, and groin area are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected fracture of the left distal fibula with degenerative changes of the ankle and residual surgical scars is manifest by a disability equating to no worse than marked limitation of motion. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding whether any of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death. The claim is currently in remand status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a stomach disability (to include as secondary to Agent Orange exposure), and bilateral ankle, shoulder, and knee disabilities. The Veteran did not have a diagnosed hearing loss or stomach condition that was incurred in service or due to Agent Orange exposure. The ankle, shoulder, and knee disabilities were also not shown to be related to service.

The Board found that there is no current disability of the right ankle and denied service connection for a broken right ankle. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was not addressed due to the overlap with PTSD, but the Veteran's complete service personnel file should be obtained and he should undergo a VA examination to determine if his claimed psychiatric condition is related to military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability evaluation for residuals of a march fracture of the left ankle was denied as he currently does not have any residuals.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or malunion of the tibia and fibula, which would warrant higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that additional action is required due to the possibility of missing records from the Palo Alto VA Medical Center. The case will be remanded for clarification and further review.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left ankle injury is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The initial noncompensable rating for asthma was granted, but the claim for an increase to a higher rating since March 10, 2005, was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral flat feet are rated at 10 percent since October 4, 2006. The Board denied service connection for right and left ankle disorders as they were not shown to be related to his active military duty or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the failure to appear for VA examinations and incomplete medical records. The Board will attempt to obtain any relevant treatment records and provide the Veteran with a new opportunity to substantiate his claims.