Ankle decisions — 2004

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection for various ankle and knee disorders.

The case is being remanded to comply with VCAA notice requirements and for further review of the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities.

The appellant is seeking service connection for foot, ankle, and leg disorders that she claims were incurred during her military service. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical evidence and determine if any current disabilities are related to her period of service.

The Board has granted the appellant's claims of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis and bilateral ankle sprains, finding that these conditions were incurred in active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle disorder and diabetes mellitus are service-connected. The left ankle disorder is considered a direct result of an injury in service, while diabetes mellitus did not manifest during or within one year after service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim and granted service connection for bilateral valgus deformity, tendinitis of the ankles, and post-operative residuals of a left 5th hammertoe deformity due to aggravation by active military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to her relocation and failure to attend a scheduled hearing.

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

The veteran's claim for service connection for loss of teeth and residuals of a right ankle fracture is being remanded due to incomplete medical records. The RO must attempt to locate the veteran's complete service medical records, including those from Fort Myerner Medical Clinic, Pentagon Medical Clinic, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and other possible sources.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder, residuals of a right ankle fracture, headaches, and hypertension are etiologically related to service. Therefore, these claims are granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of any current right ankle, right knee, or low back disorders and to ensure compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a left ankle disability and a psychiatric disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the left ankle claim and concluding that the psychiatric disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected osteochondritis dissecans of the left ankle is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The case will be returned to the Board following appropriate appellate procedure.

The veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, effective December 1, 1998. The bilateral plantar fasciitis remains at a 10 percent rating.

The VA has denied a higher initial evaluation for the veteran's service-connected left ankle disability, finding that the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder and entitlement to increased ratings for his left knee, right knee, and right thumb disabilities. The RO had previously denied these claims in October 1995.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to changes in regulations and new medical opinions regarding radiation exposure.

The veteran's current right ankle disability, diagnosed as arthritis and a heel spur, was incurred in service due to an injury sustained during active duty.