Ankle decisions — 2003

The veteran's claims for service connection for low back strain, left knee disability, right knee disability, left ankle sprain, and cellulitis of the right ankle were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service.

The veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of various disabilities involving the left knee, lower back, hip, and ankle was denied by the Board.

The VA denied a request for an increased rating for the veteran's right ankle injury, maintaining the current 10 percent evaluation.

The veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not warrant an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, and left ankle disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied an increase in the veteran's 20 percent rating for his right ankle disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right ankle injury disability warrants a 10 percent evaluation since June 21, 1999.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have a right ankle disability for VA compensation purposes and denied service connection for this condition.

The veteran is seeking a higher evaluation for his service-connected right ankle disability, but the current evidence is insufficient to make an informed decision. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating for the residuals of a fracture of the left ankle from 20 percent to 10 percent was proper. The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his left ankle fractures is granted, with the effective date being March 26, 2002.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to evaluate the severity of his left ankle disorder and onychomycosis of the left great toenail.

The veteran's service-connected right ankle fracture residuals and splenectomy required hospitalization from May 2, 2000 to May 23, 2000. The Board granted a temporary total rating for this period.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic left ankle disability, residual of recurrent left ankle sprains. The appeal is based on direct evidence and not involving any presumption or exposure to specific hazards.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle disorder warrants a 20 percent disability rating, effective from November 1, 2002.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disorder on the basis of aggravation, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the original claim.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left ankle fracture, finding that there was no evidence of such an injury in the veteran's service records.

The veteran's right ankle fracture residuals were initially evaluated as noncompensable prior to March 15, 2003 and subsequently increased to a 10 percent evaluation effective March 15, 2003. The Board found that the current 10 percent evaluation adequately reflects his disability picture.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for left ankle, right hip, and gastrointestinal disabilities. The case is being sent back to the RO for additional examination and review.

The Board has determined that further development is required with regard to the claim for entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The other issues are remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional medical examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right wrist injury and right ankle injury are granted, but the etiology is unresolved. The claim for increased evaluation for residuals of a stress fracture of the left hip remains denied.