Ankle decisions — 2005

The veteran is seeking a higher evaluation for his service-connected arthritis of the right ankle. The RO has not obtained all treatment records from Scott Air Force Base, which may be relevant to his claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has ordered another examination due to deficiencies in the previous VA examination, and the case is remanded for further review.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that it is not secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine and left foot/ankle injuries.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, depressive disorder, vision impairment, a right ankle disorder, and hypertension. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the nature and severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran is seeking service connection for left hip, knee, and ankle disorders that he believes are related to his service-connected right knee and lumbosacral spine conditions. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the nature of these claims.

The veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for diverticulitis, right ankle disorder, and lumbar strain have been denied. The RO increased the rating for the lumbar strain to 10 percent effective November 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation, which is more severe than the current 20 percent rating. The evidence shows marked limitation of motion and other symptoms consistent with this higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder, left knee disorder, left ankle disorder, and cardiovascular disorder. The examiner found no medical evidence linking these conditions to his time in military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various ankle, toe, shoulder, and leg disorders due to a lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left ankle disability is a result of injury or injuries in service, and thus service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected scars and dermatological disorders do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA's rating schedule.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right middle finger and left ankle disabilities, finding that they did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under applicable rating codes.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current bilateral ankle disability that began during service or as a consequence of service. The evidence did not show any chronic disease, and there was no finding of arthritis within one year of discharge from service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's left ankle disability, which resulted from a fracture in service, warrants a 30 percent rating due to marked limitation of motion.

The Board has denied the veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for postoperative left pelviureteric junction obstruction and residuals of a right ankle fracture, as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral ankle disability, asserting that it is secondary to his service-connected hypertrophic arthritis of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right ankle, left heel, low back, and hip disorders are service-connected as they resulted from his service-connected right knee disability.