Ankle decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain and left ankle sprain are currently rated at the maximum allowable evaluations, with no further increase granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected low back strain, right ankle strain, scar of the left index finger, and recurrent urticaria. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a scar on the cornea of the right eye was remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's left ankle disorder is related to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral ankle condition, an initial compensable disability rating for an umbilical hernia, postoperative, and an initial compensable disability rating for a right great toe fracture.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 29, 2002 for service connection for residuals of a crush injury of the right ankle with traumatic arthritis. The claim was not received prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and needs further review of the appellant's service-connected conditions and orthotics.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence showing the veteran currently suffers from any of the claimed conditions, and thus service connection cannot be established for a stomach disorder, left eye disorder, left ankle disorder, or low back disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle injury residuals do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board finds that the veteran's bilateral ankle disorder was incurred in or aggravated by service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's arthritis in his ankles is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right ankle disorder is related to his military service and grants service connection for status post arthrodesis of the right ankle with associated severe pantalar osteoarthritis and loss of subtalar motion.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for arthritis of the right ankle, as the RO had already confirmed and continued a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for further development and consideration of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including a major depressive disorder with psychotic features, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as for arthritis of the bilateral feet and ankles.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claims for left shoulder injury and residuals of a sprained right ankle are denied as there is no evidence of chronic disability related to these inservice injuries.

The Board found that the veteran did not have current residuals of his service-connected right ankle injury, a current right elbow disorder, arthritis of the left hip, or a right shoulder disability. The claim for increased rating prior to November 2004 was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension for a surviving spouse based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to lack of recent medical records.

The veteran's appeal for increased ratings for PTSD and right leg, right ankle, and right knee disabilities has been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing his appeals.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including providing proper VCAA notice and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right ankle disability and hemorrhoids are not service-connected as they are attributed to post-service injuries, and there is no evidence of in-service aggravation or connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current back, right knee, and right ankle disabilities are not related to his service. The claims for service connection have been denied.