Ankle decisions — 2004

The veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, effective from September 1994 to March 2004. Service connection for the low back and right hip disabilities are denied as there is no causal relationship with service. The psychiatric disability was granted by a separate decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic left ankle instability is a condition arising from her in-service injury, and thus service connection for this disability is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right foot and ankle disabilities are related to injuries incurred during his active service. The claim of entitlement to reopen a claim for service connection for a right hip disability is also granted.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis of both knees and granted it, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The issue of whether the veteran's current arthritis is related to his service-connected disability remains pending.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection due to insufficient examination findings, and additional development is required.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current extent of his service-connected right buttock, leg, ankle, calf, and knee disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a left ankle fracture, and increased rating for hemorrhoids were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired low back disorder. The issue is now remanded for further review.

The veteran contends that his left ankle disability is due to a crush injury during active service. The Board notes the in-service hospitalization and treatment, but requests additional records from the veteran and an orthopedic examination to determine if the current left ankle disability is causally linked to the in-service injury.

The veteran's disability in his lower extremities is manifested by subjective complaints of bilateral hip, knee and ankle pain; reported inability to walk more than 100 feet; gait disturbance; the use of a cane and wheelchair. The Board concludes that he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on loss of use of both legs.

The Board found that the veteran's right ankle disability was not incurred in service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD and headaches are service-connected based on credible in-service stressors. The other issues were denied as they did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left ankle disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the veteran for a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has granted a combined 20 percent rating for residuals of right tibia and fibula fracture, including shortening of the leg (1/2 inch) and arthrofibrosis with moderate limitation of ankle motion.

The Board found that the veteran's left ankle disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left ankle disability, currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The veteran is seeking an extension of educational benefits beyond the current date due to his left ankle injury and depression. The RO needs to obtain medical records related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received and a need for further examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right leg injury with right ankle fracture, PTSD, and residuals of exposure to herbicides (claimed as chronic folliculitis and skin disorders, to include soft tissue sarcoma).