Ankle decisions — 2004

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for VCAA notice and additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of left ankle fracture, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left ankle and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating than currently assigned.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the conditions are not considered to be incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine if the veteran's bilateral foot and ankle disability is related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining recent treatment records and arranging for examinations of his left ankle and left hip disorders.

The Board has determined that a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected stress fracture, right ankle is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus, right knee disability, and right ankle disability are not service-connected as they were not shown during or related to his active duty.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected left ankle injury is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to new evidence and changes in the veteran's condition.

The veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating, service connection for various disorders, and exposure to environmental hazards are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a low back disorder and a left ankle disorder due to potential missing medical records and need for a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current right knee and ankle disabilities to his service, including combat injuries or exposure to known risk factors. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a nervous condition (other than PTSD), and a right ankle disability. The new evidence submitted supports these claims.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his sinusitis with headaches and residuals of a left ankle injury, as there was no evidence supporting a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's traumatic arthritis of the ankles began during active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for right knee, bilateral ankle, and low back disabilities. The appeals are dismissed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the appellant's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability. The Board also found that the current degenerative arthritis of the left ankle is related to injuries sustained while on Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA). As such, the appeal was granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right ankle disability, including degenerative joint disease of the right ankle, status post fusion, is related to an in-service injury and granted service connection for this condition.