Ankle decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran did not submit new and material evidence to reopen his claim of service connection for a left ankle disability.

The veteran's right hand condition is service-connected, but there are no current findings for his left ankle and foot issues. The rating assigned reflects the full benefit of the doubt in favor of the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a left knee, right knee or left ankle disability that was incurred in service. The VA examination scheduled for March 2005 was not attended by the veteran.

The VA has increased the disability rating for residuals of a left tibia and fibula fracture with limitation of ankle motion from zero to 10 percent disabling effective February 28, 2001. The evaluation for sinusitis remains at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability, finding that the veteran's current condition is likely due to an injury sustained in service. The left and stomach disabilities are pending further examination and evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for residuals of the left ankle, as there was no evidence of malunion or moderate knee/ankle disability. The service connection claim for lumbar stenosis secondary to the left ankle injury is not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disability, gynecological disability, bilateral foot and ankle disabilities, right shoulder and jaw disorders, chronic headaches, allergies, and hearing loss. The decision also addressed presumptive service connection claims based on undiagnosed illnesses.

The Board has determined that the appellant's chronic residuals of in-service injuries to the shoulders, right knee, and left ankle are service-connected. Additionally, it is found that his preexisting bilateral foot disorder was aggravated by service.

The Board found no evidence of a current bilateral ankle condition or low back disorder related to service, and denied the veteran's claims for service connection and an increased rating.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected right tibia and fibula fracture, currently rated at 20 percent. The appeal is based on a claim for higher disability compensation.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, finding that his symptoms are related to combat experiences in Vietnam. The skin condition is also found to be service-connected due to exposure to Agent Orange. No new rating or effective date was assigned as this decision pertains solely to service connection.

The Board granted service connection for asthma effective from February 19, 1984. The veteran's claims for right knee and left ankle disorders were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a right knee injury and residuals of a right ankle injury have been denied as there is no evidence showing these conditions are related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and development of his claims.

The Board found no evidence of chronic low back, left knee, or right ankle disorders during service. The veteran's current conditions are not linked to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings for various conditions, including a right arm disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, skin disorder, ankle disorders, knee meniscal tear, and left knee strain. The appeals were based on evidence not related to any presumptive exposure or previously service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current left or right ankle sprain residuals and his service-connected low back disability is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's neck, right ankle, and left hand injuries did not result in current disabilities incurred or aggravated during her military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete verification of service and need for additional medical examination.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture to the right great toe, as his condition is currently manifested by pain on use resulting in moderate disability.