Ankle decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) of the left ankle and foot is denied as he is at the amputation rate for a below-the-knee amputation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of left ankle injury, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The veteran's right ankle and left shoulder disabilities have been rated based on their current symptoms, with no higher evaluations warranted due to the lack of more severe limitation of motion or other criteria for a higher rating.

The appellant has withdrawn his appeal, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board found that the veteran's right foot and ankle injuries were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition during service. The current conditions are attributed to his general medical conditions such as diabetes and possible circulatory problems.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and left ankle/heel disability. The veteran's current symptoms are related to her military service.

The veteran's right elbow disorder is currently rated at 10 percent, and his right ankle arthrosis has not been service connected. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for the right elbow or service connection for the right ankle.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be decided, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow tendonitis and granted entitlement to service connection for other conditions. The veteran is not entitled to service connection for a chronic acquired left elbow disorder.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder, low back, and psychiatric disabilities. The veteran's claims for left shoulder, wrist, knee, ankle, cervical spine, head injury residuals, and headache disabilities were also denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence supporting the assertions made in his claims. His right foot disorder and ankle disorders were found not to be related to his military service or any service-connected conditions, while his cervical spine disorder claim was reopened but still denied due to lack of evidence.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination. The issues are whether he should be granted TDIU benefits and if an earlier effective date for service connection of right and left ankle disability can be assigned.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of left and right ankle fractures and sprains, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The veteran's service-connected right and left ankle disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, while her service-connected right and left heel disabilities are also rated at 10 percent each. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The veteran's disability of plantar warts and calluses of both feet, status post osteotomy of the right fifth metatarsal bone and hallux valgum of the first metatarsalphalangeal joint bilaterally with degenerative changes is currently rated as 50 percent disabling. The evaluations for limitation of motion of the right ankle and left ankle remain at 10 percent and zero percent, respectively.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pes planus was not aggravated by service and is presumed to have existed prior to entry. Service connection for a ruptured posterior tibial tendon of the left ankle due to pes planus is denied as there is no evidence it arose during or was caused by service.

The veteran seeks service connection for various injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The RO denied these claims on the basis that she was not on INACDUTRA at the time of the accident. The Board finds additional development is necessary to determine her duty status.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current residuals of a soft palate lesion, lung disorder, left knee disability, or left ankle and foot disabilities. These conditions were neither incurred in nor aggravated by service.

The veteran's appeal of the denial of service connection for a right shoulder disability was not timely filed. The Board therefore lacks jurisdiction to consider this issue. For the other issues, the criteria for higher ratings were not met.

The Board denied the veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, finding no current disabilities or objective evidence of chronicity.