Ankle decisions — 2008

The veteran's right ankle disability does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, and his depressive disorder is unrelated to service or the service-connected right ankle.

The veteran's left hip arthralgia and right ankle disorder do not warrant increased ratings, and the effective date for the increase in the evaluation of the right ankle disorder is denied. The claims for service connection for PTSD, a right shoulder disorder, residuals of a right bicep tear, and a back disorder are also denied.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for additional development and consideration of new evidence.

The veteran's bilateral knee, left shoulder, right shoulder, right ankle, and left fifth toe disabilities were not related to his military service.

The veteran's postoperative residuals of a right ankle fracture were rated at 30 percent, and the ratings for right peroneal nerve neuropathy and calf muscle atrophy remained unchanged.

The veteran's claims for service connection and the reopening of a previously denied claim were remanded for further development.

The veteran's left ankle instability produces moderate foot injury, warranting a 10 percent rating.

The veteran's left ankle degenerative joint disease does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as the evidence does not show ankylosis or that the disability is so severe as to render impractical the application of regular schedular standards.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip, left ankle, left hand, left knee, back, and hemorrhoid disabilities as there was no evidence of currently diagnosed disorders.

The appeal was dismissed due to the veteran's death during the pendency of the case.

The appeal is remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied service connection for high blood pressure, skin rash, sleep disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, degenerative joint disease of the knees and ankles, and a bilateral hip disorder.

The veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for his right ankle disability effective February 9, 2006.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for left and right ankle disabilities, a deviated nasal septum, and headaches were denied. However, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea was granted.

The veteran's right ankle disability did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to May 11, 2006, and did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent thereafter.

The appeal was remanded for proper VCAA notice to be provided.

The appeal was denied as the veteran's rhinitis and left ankle/heel disability were not related to his service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and knee disabilities are being remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, left ankle disorder, left groin disorder, right groin disorder, low back disorder, and bilateral hearing loss as there is no competent medical evidence of record showing that the veteran currently has any of these conditions.