Ankle decisions — 2004

Evidence submitted since the October 1978 rating decision, where the RO denied entitlement to service connection for residuals of a left ankle sprain, is new and material, and the veteran's claim for that benefit is reopened.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with VCAA requirements and to consider issues on appeal, including a possible extra-schedular disability rating based on impairment resulting from the veteran's right ankle disability.

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

The veteran is seeking an initial compensable rating for his service-connected left ankle sprain. The RO has granted service connection but assigned a noncompensable rating. The case is being remanded to obtain updated medical evidence and determine the current severity of the disability.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability, but denied reopening of his claim for left shoulder disability.,A VA examination is needed to determine if the current right ankle disability is related to an in-service injury.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right knee and ankle conditions, have been evaluated based on their current manifestations. The heart disorder and pulmonary disorder claims are pending as they require further development.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right ankle sprain with degenerative changes, finding that the current disability is due to the injury in service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to provide proper notice and scheduling for a Travel Board hearing. The RO must ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) by providing appropriate notice and readjudicating the claims.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's right ankle disability as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The veteran also claims special monthly compensation and adaptive equipment, which are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including obtaining additional relevant evidence and ensuring proper development of the claim. The veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury and for an increased disability rating for lumbosacral strain.

The VA determined that the veteran's right ankle disability, which includes a healed fracture with degenerative changes, warrants a 20 percent evaluation and is not entitled to an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hand weakness is due to his service-connected burn injury, and his right ankle disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected right ankle disability does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Board found no evidence of a low back disability related to service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection. The left ankle disability issue is remanded due to procedural issues.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and effective dates, as well as his claim for service connection for a back disorder secondary to or aggravated by a left ankle disability. The issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus are not before the Board due to lack of timely appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle disability is worsening and requires further examination to determine its current severity. The RO must also obtain all outstanding treatment records from the Fayetteville, North Carolina VA Medical Center.

The Board found no evidence of a current left ankle disability related to the veteran's service and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of photosensitivity was remanded.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis of the right ankle, currently rated as 20 percent disabling.