Ankle decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a nexus between the appellant's current left ankle and back disorders and his active service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings, TDIU, and SMC were denied as his service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and temporary total evaluations for his service-connected ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including medical records from private treatment sources.

The veteran's appeal involves three service-connected disabilities: left tibia/fibula/ankle, left knee DJD, and left wrist/forearm. The RO is directed to remand these matters for further development including obtaining additional medical records, arranging for a VA examination, and considering the claims in light of all pertinent evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a foot and ankle disability characterized as pes planus, bilateral knee disability characterized as chondromalacia, hypertension, and tinnitus. The evidence received since the February 1975 Board decision was not considered sufficient to reopen any of these claims.

The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The veteran's right ankle sprain with swelling is currently rated at 10 percent, and also does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and to correct procedural deficiencies.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current left knee or left ankle disability and there is no evidence of an in-service injury. Therefore, service connection for these disabilities cannot be granted.

The veteran's ankle conditions have been granted increased ratings, with the right and left ankles each receiving a 10% rating. The lumbosacral strain has also received an increase in rating from 20% to 40% after July 30, 2004. Migraine headaches have also been rated at 30%. No new evidence or service connection theory was presented.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back, left knee, and right ankle disabilities are not related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle and back disabilities were not incurred in service, as evidenced by his service medical records contradicting his account. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found no evidence of a right ankle disability during service or for many years after service, and concluded that the current condition is not related to service. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected chondromalacia, left knee, and residuals of injury to right ankle do not warrant an increased rating as their current manifestations are within the scope of the currently assigned ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a determination on severing service connection for joint pain due to an undiagnosed illness. The veteran's claim for an increased rating remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for hip, knee, and ankle disabilities because the evidence did not show that the injuries were incurred in the line of duty.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain his service medical records from a period of duty reported in July 1990 to August 1991. The RO must attempt to locate these records and provide an opportunity for the veteran to respond.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected right ankle disability and denied service connection for a right knee and shoulder condition. The RO had previously denied these claims in July 1996, but the veteran did not appeal.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for psoriasis with seborrheic dermatitis and various forms of psoriatic arthritis were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of November 4, 2004 for a 30 percent rating for residuals of a fracture, tip of the lateral malleolus, left ankle.