Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle fracture with traumatic degenerative arthritis does not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation services under Chapter 31 of Title 38, United States Code.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, along with other service-connected conditions, has resulted in a 40 percent disability rating. The Board also granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU due to his inability to secure and maintain gainful employment.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for a right ankle sprain and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome as there is no competent evidence of a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability and vasomotor rhinitis are currently evaluated as non-compensably disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation for either condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, right ankle, left ankle, and bunions disabilities are not service-connected. The flat feet disability is currently rated as second degree pes planus (flat feet).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed rib injury residuals are not service-connected and his claim for an increased rating for staph infection is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was first manifested during service and is presumed to have been incurred therein. The Board finds that the Veteran has established service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen several service connection claims, but the specific evaluations for these conditions remain unchanged.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed left ankle disorder and bilateral foot disorder are not related to her military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disorder was found to be productive of no more than moderate limitation of motion prior to January 25, 2008 and marked limitation of motion as of and following that date. The claim for increased evaluation is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records of his recent surgeries and physical rehabilitation. He will also be provided with a VA examination to assess the current severity of his left knee and right ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated during service and a left ankle disability was incurred in service. The other conditions were not established as being related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, knee, and hip disorders have been denied as these conditions are not related to his active service or a service-connected disability.

The VA treatment did not cause additional disabilities, as the Veteran's conditions were due to his own actions and subsequent complications.

The Board has granted service connection for low back degenerative changes and denied service connection for a right ankle condition. The Veteran's current right ankle sprain is not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent before October 20, 2008 and 50 percent from that date. His left ankle valgus deformity is currently rated at 10 percent.,Both conditions are not entitled to higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle disability, hypertension, right inguinal hernia residuals, right elbow surgery residuals, and vision problems are all related to his active service.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for various conditions, including bilateral tinnitus, hearing loss, right ankle disorder, arthritis of the right ankle, lump masses throughout the body, residuals of a bilateral eye injury, multiple joint arthritis, right elbow condition, right knee disability, facial paralysis, and injuries to the tailbone and hips.

The Veteran's claimed lumbar spine, bilateral leg, hip, and bilateral foot disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board found that the current diagnoses are more likely due to post-service injuries.

The Veteran's right ankle surgery resulted in complications, but the Board finds no evidence of negligence or fault on VA's part. The claim is denied.