Ankle decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, right ankle injury, and skin disorder due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected left ankle disability, primarily manifested by subjective complaints of pain and instability, did not meet criteria for a higher than ten percent evaluation. The RO increased the rating from zero to ten percent in September 1993 but denied an increase beyond this level.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities were not caused or worsened by his service-connected left knee disorder and denied the claim for secondary service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings have been granted, with a rating of 10 percent assigned for degenerative joint disease of the left ankle and residuals of an excision of a right thigh cyst. The other claims remain denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of traumatic arthritis of the left ankle and arthritis of the feet, as well as his claim for peripheral neuropathy. The decision on peripheral neuropathy was based on a finding that there is no relationship between the veteran's claimed left ankle sprain in service and the subsequent development of peripheral neuropathy.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee and ankle disabilities were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal regarding his right ankle disorder due to withdrawal of the appeal. The claims for hypertension, right ear hearing loss, and left ankle disorder were not reopened as new and material evidence was not received.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a left knee disability that he claims is secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. He also seeks an increased evaluation for his right ankle disability. The Board has determined that additional development, including a VA examination, is needed before these issues can be decided.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting left ankle disorder did not worsen during service and is not related to a service-connected disability, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a scalp scar, left ankle sprain residuals, right ankle sprain residuals, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for low back disability. The decision found that there was no current evidence of a scalp scar or any ankle or low back disabilities.

The VA determined that the veteran's left ankle strain warrants a 10 percent rating, effective November 1, 2000.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess her back, right knee, and left ankle conditions.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a current left ankle disorder and denied service connection for this condition. The pseudofolliculitis barbae was also found to not warrant an initial rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disorder. The right ankle arthritis is found to be related to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder with anxiety and an increased rating for left ankle disability, as well as his attempt to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a personality disorder. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen this previous claim.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic acquired disorder of either ankle, and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The VA has determined that the current evaluation of 20% is appropriate for the veteran's residuals of a right ankle fracture with instability and traumatic arthritis, effective from July 6, 1998.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a right ankle or right knee disability, and there is no evidence of bilateral hearing loss. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was previously denied in 1983 without appeal, but new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a fracture of the left 3rd metacarpal, resolving all doubts in favor of the veteran. The claims for service connection for left hand and ankle disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle degenerative joint disease is service-connected, with no need for further development or remand.