Ankle decisions — 2003

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims, including the provision of proper notice and assistance.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance as there was no evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities caused him to wear or use a prosthetic appliance that tended to wear out his clothing, or that he used medication due to a service-connected skin condition that irreparably damaged his outergarments.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for various conditions, including left ankle fracture, headaches, incontinence of urine/bowel, and pes cavus. The case is being sent back to the RO for additional examination and review.

The Board found no evidence of a current bilateral ankle disorder and denied the veteran's claim for service connection. The issue of entitlement to an increased evaluation for eczema of the hands was also addressed, but as it had already been granted with a noncompensable rating from February 6, 1999, to August 2, 2000, and a 10 percent rating thereafter, no further action was taken on this issue.

The veteran's right ankle strain is not shown to be productive of moderate limitation of motion, arthritis, ankylosis, malunion of os calcis or astragalus, or astragalectomy. As such, the preponderance of evidence does not support a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5271.

The veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on the merits of his claim for service connection for a left ankle disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral strain, left ankle fracture residuals, and bronchitis. The evaluations were found to be appropriate based on the clinical findings.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease and right ankle disability, both secondary to his service-connected right knee total arthroplasty.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for chronic bilateral ankle sprains, migraine headaches, right and left bunionectomies, and post-operative residuals of small bowel resection. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury and secondary service connection for a right knee disorder.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the submission of new evidence after a previous decision.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded to the RO for further action.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of both ankles, residuals of a hemorrhoidectomy, and residuals of a left thigh laceration. The conditions were found to be rated appropriately under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's service connection claims for back and left hip injuries were granted. The claim for a higher initial rating for the ankle fracture was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's bilateral leg disorder and bilateral ankle disorder, finding that these conditions are related to his service-connected callosities of the feet.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her bilateral lower extremity disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and arranging for a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right ankle disability was granted, with a 10 percent evaluation effective from February 22, 2000, to May 13, 2003.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle degenerative joint disease and instability, finding that the veteran's current left ankle disabilities are related to his active military service. The claim for gout was not addressed due to insufficient development.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities.