Ankle decisions — 2005

The Board found that the veteran's acquired psychiatric disability was not incurred in or related to his active duty service and denied service connection for this condition. The rating for bronchial asthma prior to December 14, 1999 and from December 15, 1999 to present were also denied. The right ankle disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a currently diagnosed right ankle disorder or bilateral foot disorder that had its origins during service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected left ankle fracture is being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA records.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his claims, including those related to a back disorder, bilateral foot disorders, and scars.

The veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating based on their combined compensation rating of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's arthritis of the left ankle, which resulted from a severe injury during active service, was incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current bilateral ankle or knee disability that began during active military service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The VA has granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a right ankle sprain, effective from July 21, 2003. The rating for his deviated nasal septum remains at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for an extension of a temporary total evaluation based on convalescence beyond August 31, 2002 following surgery for his right ankle disability.

The veteran's service-connected cervical spine strain, right shoulder disability with acromioclavicular joint impingement and rotator cuff injury, lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, right ankle instability, and left orchiectomy secondary to neoplasm are all granted. The highest possible rating of 10 percent is assigned for each condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for an orthopedic examination.

The Board has found that the appellant's anxiety disorder is attributable to service and granted service connection for this condition. The left ankle and chest disorders are not currently addressed as there is insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle sprains do not warrant a compensable evaluation, as there is no evidence of arthritis or significant limitation of motion.

The veteran's appeal is denied for the issues of service connection for various conditions, with no new evidence provided to reopen previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that a chronic respiratory disorder including COPD was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the veteran's broken ankle residuals are also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's multiple joint pain, including his low back and bilateral ankles, knees, and great toes, is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has denied the reopening of claims for service connection for residuals of a torn ligament of the left foot and fractured left ankle, as well as for a low back condition. The evidence received since the July 1998 decision is not new and material.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected gunshot wound to the right leg, finding that the current 30 percent rating adequately reflects his symptoms and disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a stomach ulcer and upper back condition, are denied as secondary to his service-connected low back disability. The left ankle condition is granted as secondary to the service-connected low back disability.