Ankle decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran's arthritis of multiple joints, including the right shoulder, was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran is seeking an increased disability rating for his service-connected left ankle fracture residuals, which are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that a new VA examination is necessary to evaluate the current state of his condition and determine if it warrants a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected left lower extremity disabilities are denied as the combined rating already meets the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to assess the veteran's ankle disabilities and determine their etiology.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left ankle disability is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Board dismissed the motion for revision of a November 30, 1994 decision based on clear and unmistakable error because it did not involve a final determination subject to revision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle arthritis, status post fusion, warrants a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right fourth metatarsal fracture residuals warrant a 10 percent evaluation, as they are productive of no more than moderate impairment. The issues regarding his chronic left ankle sprain residuals and tonsillitis have been remanded for further examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the feet, hands, right elbow, ankles, and left great toe were denied. The RO also addressed other issues such as increased evaluations for shoulder conditions, a claim to reopen for knee condition (claimed as osteoarthritis), an effective date for right shoulder condition, and TDIU.

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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including informing him of the information and evidence needed to substantiate his claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and increased ratings for his right and left ankle disabilities, finding that there was no verified in-service stressor for PTSD and insufficient evidence linking the current disabilities to service. The veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right ankle disability is manifested by moderate limitation of motion and pain, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The veteran's knee condition was initially granted but remains at a noncompensable level.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the severity of his right ankle disability and determine if it is related to service. The back disability claim will also be evaluated with another VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, right and left knee disabilities, as well as his initial compensable ratings for hemorrhoids and low back disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right ankle disability is etiologically related to his in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected residuals of a right ankle fracture, assigning him a 10 percent initial evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA compensation examination and new evidence from his private physician.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication due to a previous decision being vacated by the Court.

The Board found that the veteran's arthritis of multiple joints, including his shoulders and knees, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The VA examination did not show any chronic residual disability from these injuries at separation. The most probative medical evidence does not support a connection to military service. Additionally, there is no evidence showing that the arthritis is proximately due to or aggravated by the service-connected left ankle disability.