Ankle Board decisions

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current extent of his service-connected right buttock, leg, ankle, calf, and knee disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a left ankle fracture, and increased rating for hemorrhoids were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired low back disorder. The issue is now remanded for further review.

The veteran contends that his left ankle disability is due to a crush injury during active service. The Board notes the in-service hospitalization and treatment, but requests additional records from the veteran and an orthopedic examination to determine if the current left ankle disability is causally linked to the in-service injury.

The veteran's disability in his lower extremities is manifested by subjective complaints of bilateral hip, knee and ankle pain; reported inability to walk more than 100 feet; gait disturbance; the use of a cane and wheelchair. The Board concludes that he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on loss of use of both legs.

The Board found that the veteran's right ankle disability was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and headaches are service-connected based on credible in-service stressors. The other issues were denied as they did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left ankle disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the veteran for a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has granted a combined 20 percent rating for residuals of right tibia and fibula fracture, including shortening of the leg (1/2 inch) and arthrofibrosis with moderate limitation of ankle motion.

The Board found that the veteran's left ankle disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left ankle disability, currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The veteran is seeking an extension of educational benefits beyond the current date due to his left ankle injury and depression. The RO needs to obtain medical records related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received and a need for further examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right leg injury with right ankle fracture, PTSD, and residuals of exposure to herbicides (claimed as chronic folliculitis and skin disorders, to include soft tissue sarcoma).

The Board found that the character of the appellant's discharge from service for his second period of active duty constitutes a bar to VA benefits, as he was discharged under other than honorable conditions due to a general court-martial. The appeal is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for reopening service connection for various disabilities, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted to link these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and left hip disabilities on a secondary basis to the veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to determine if separate ratings are appropriate for his right ankle and knee disabilities, as per a prior Board of Veterans' Appeals order.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.