Ankle decisions — 2003

The Board has granted service connection for chronic right ankle instability and assigned a noncompensable evaluation. The claim of initial rating for left hand carpal tunnel syndrome remains in appellate status as the maximum schedular rating has been granted.

The effective date for the grant of service connection for a left hip surgical scar is set at June 16, 1978, which was when the original claim for residuals of a left hip fracture was received by VA.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's right ankle disability. The case is now being sent back for additional evidence and an orthopedic examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability and denied a compensable rating for the veteran's left ankle disability. The left knee disability is found to be secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right ankle disability and right sural nerve neuropathy, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right hip disorder, left knee arthritis, and left ankle disorder are not related to his service-connected right knee disability. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right leg and ankle conditions are not related to his military service, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to any injury or disease sustained during his active duty.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal due to his withdrawal of all issues except for the denial of an annual clothing allowance.

The Board has ordered the case back to the RO for compliance with VCAA requirements and additional development of evidence, including a VA examination.

The Board denied all service connection claims as the veteran did not present evidence of current disabilities related to his in-service injuries and hospitalizations.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent for residuals of a fracture of the left ankle, postero-malleolus with traumatic arthritis.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the residuals of a fractured left tibia, finding that the veteran's severe left ankle degenerative-traumatic arthritis warrants this rating.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's right ankle disability and a 10 percent evaluation for his left ankle disability, effective from the date of the decision. The temporary total evaluation under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 is also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability, to include as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, is denied due to lack of competent evidence of current disability.

The Board denied the claim of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a fracture of the right ankle.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development due to procedural issues, including a need for a VA examination and notification of the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his right ankle disability, currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a bilateral ankle condition, pes planus, or back condition as a result of his service. The claims for arthritis of the spine and a bilateral knee condition were also denied.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for various disabilities, including knee, depression, left foot, and left ankle conditions. The case is now remanded for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left foot disorder, right foot disorder, and right ankle disorder as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The evidence did not support these claims.