Ankle decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the right ankle with calcaneal spur have been denied. The RO has granted service connection and assigned initial disability ratings, but these have not been upheld in subsequent appeals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left ankle fracture, which is manifested by marked limitation of motion, warrants an initial evaluation of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his pes planus, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right knee strain, right ankle strain, and left ankle strain. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's bilateral ankle disorder, finding that it is as likely as not related to his in-service symptoms and findings. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded.

The veteran's claims for an extension of a temporary total rating and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance were denied as there is no evidence showing severe postoperative residuals or convalescence required after January 31, 2004.

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

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA orthopedic examination to assess the severity of his right ankle fracture residuals.

The veteran's psoriatic arthritis is rated at 10 percent for each affected joint (knees, hands, ankles, and shoulders). The right hand disability, including psoriatic arthritis and residuals of ganglion cyst, does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for residuals of a right leg fracture, unhealed abrasion of the lower right leg, and left arm/shoulder disability are granted as secondary to service-connected conditions. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of fractures to both his right wrist and ankle do not warrant an increase in disability ratings beyond the current 10% evaluations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of his claims for service connection.

The veteran's knee, hip, ankle, and foot disabilities are not service-connected. The Board denied the claims of service connection for left shoulder disability due to lack of evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right ankle disorder, bilateral leg disorder, low back disorder, or degenerative joint disease. The evidence of record does not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 20 percent for the veteran's left ankle fracture residuals, finding that his symptoms include pain and limitation of motion on dorsiflexion. The RO will now assign an effective date based on this decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation for dermatophytosis were denied. The claim to reopen the left ankle disorder was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not incur or aggravate a right ankle disability in service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and compensable ratings for otitis media, hemorrhoids, sprain/strain of the right ankle, and sprain/strain of the left ankle. The evidence did not show current disabilities or sufficient medical support to grant these claims.

The Board has granted increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals of the left ankle and recurrent callosity formation of the feet, effective from July 14, 1997.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current chronic hip pain, low back disorder, or right ankle disorder. The preponderance of evidence is against service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for joint pain and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, need further development due to incomplete records and verification of stressors.