Ankle decisions — 2003

The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, finding that the veteran did not meet the criteria for total disability due to service-connected disabilities rated totally disabling for at least five years prior to his death.

The appellant does not have a current right ankle disorder that was incurred in service or within any applicable presumptive period.

The appellant does not have a current right ankle disorder that was incurred in service or within any applicable presumptive period.

The veteran's initial claim for a higher rating was denied, and the current effective date is August 6, 2003. The veteran received a 10 percent evaluation from September 30, 1995 to September 2, 1998, and a 20 percent evaluation since September 3, 1998.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle disability is not secondary to his service-connected cartilage semilunar removal of right knee, and therefore denied the claim.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, bilateral ankle disabilities, and poor blood circulation. The claim seeking to reopen a previously denied claim for residuals of frostbite was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected pes planus, arthritis of the right ankle, and arthritis of the left ankle.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently have a hand, low back, left ankle, left shoulder, neck, or bilateral hip disorder and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The case will be returned to the RO for these actions.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current left knee and left ankle disabilities to service, including any inservice injury. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus is granted, but the claim for higher ratings on other service-connected disabilities remains denied.

The veteran was granted a TDIU rating of 40% effective October 3, 2000. The issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to this date remains pending.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left ankle disorder, including recurrent sprains and instability. The RO previously denied this claim in April 1997 due to lack of evidence supporting the disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to walk without the aid of a cane and wheelchair, qualifying him for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and potential need for additional evidence. The case is being remanded back to the RO for this purpose.

The Board found no current diagnosis of osteoarthritis in the veteran's right ankle, left ankle or left elbow. Therefore, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant is not in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, thus denying her claim for special monthly pension benefits.

The RO denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's right ankle disability with DJD and denied entitlement to an automobile or adaptive equipment. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right ankle disorder, which is currently rated at 10 percent. The evidence did not support a finding of marked limitation of motion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle and low back disabilities, finding no competent evidence to support these claims.