Ankle decisions — 2006

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle tendonitis and right ear hearing loss as there is no current medical diagnosis of these conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings of his right and left knee conditions, as well as his ankle disorders, were denied. The claim to reopen a hypertension claim was not addressed.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO continued the existing noncompensable ratings and added new noncompensable ratings for certain scars and joint conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a left ankle injury and left leg injury are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran is not entitled to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected chronic osteomyelitis of the left tibia and residuals of fracture to left tibia and fibula, as there was no evidence of active infection within the past five years. The benefit-of-the-doubt was not applied.

The veteran's fibromyalgia is currently rated at 40 percent, effective February 22, 2005. The appeal for higher ratings on other conditions remains denied.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting knee and ankle disabilities did not increase in pathology during service, nor are they otherwise related to such service. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for a left ankle disability and service connection for hypertension. The left hip and back disorders were not found to be related to active military service.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to be incurred in or aggravated by such service. The Board also noted conflicting findings regarding his bilateral knee and ankle disabilities and instructed a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left ankle disability is related to his service-connected left knee disability and an injury during INACDUTRA, thus granting service connection for a left ankle disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of his claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding potential service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses of bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left ankle disability, residuals of frostbite to the hands and feet, or diabetes mellitus. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for stress fractures of the left and right feet, as well as service connection for degenerative joint disease (arthritis) of the left ankle, are all granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection and for service connection for residuals of dental trauma, finding that no evidence supported such claims.

The VA has determined that the veteran does not have a right ankle disorder, gastrointestinal/gastroesophageal disability, dorsal spine disability, or bilateral shoulder disability that is service-connected. The lumbar strain condition also cannot be linked to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver, left ankle disorder, and left knee disorder. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has denied the claimant's service connection claims for residuals of a right ankle injury and left heel spur, finding that these conditions are not related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee and left ankle disabilities are not related to his service, with the exception of pes planus which was noted at entry but did not worsen during service.,Tinea pedis is not currently shown in the record.