Ankle decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus was aggravated during service and a left ankle disability was incurred in service. The other conditions were not established as being related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, knee, and hip disorders have been denied as these conditions are not related to his active service or a service-connected disability.

The VA treatment did not cause additional disabilities, as the Veteran's conditions were due to his own actions and subsequent complications.

The Board has granted service connection for low back degenerative changes and denied service connection for a right ankle condition. The Veteran's current right ankle sprain is not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 30 percent before October 20, 2008 and 50 percent from that date. His left ankle valgus deformity is currently rated at 10 percent.,Both conditions are not entitled to higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle disability, hypertension, right inguinal hernia residuals, right elbow surgery residuals, and vision problems are all related to his active service.

The VA denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for various conditions, including bilateral tinnitus, hearing loss, right ankle disorder, arthritis of the right ankle, lump masses throughout the body, residuals of a bilateral eye injury, multiple joint arthritis, right elbow condition, right knee disability, facial paralysis, and injuries to the tailbone and hips.

The Veteran's claimed lumbar spine, bilateral leg, hip, and bilateral foot disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board found that the current diagnoses are more likely due to post-service injuries.

The Veteran's right ankle surgery resulted in complications, but the Board finds no evidence of negligence or fault on VA's part. The claim is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's back, knee, and ankle conditions are not related to his active duty service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including hepatitis C, abdominal disability, head injury/concussion, eye injury/abrasion, black widow spider bite, and asbestos exposure-related disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The evidence does not show marked limitation of motion, which is required for a higher disability rating under the applicable diagnostic code. The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, heart condition (atypical chest pains), and right hip disability. The Veteran did not have a diagnosed or current condition that could be linked to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and obtaining additional records.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic right ankle, wrist, or shoulder disorder during service or for many years thereafter. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle sprain does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of marked limitation of motion or other manifestations that would justify such an increase.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability and posttraumatic, sensory only, left common peroneal neuropathy have been granted increased ratings of 10 percent and 20 percent respectively.

The Board found that the Veteran's right foot/ankle fracture and lumbar spine disability were not incurred or aggravated during service, nor are they secondary to a service-connected disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle disorder did not manifest in service or within one year of separation, and is not related to his left ankle disability. The claim for secondary service connection was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting left ankle condition existed prior to service and was not aggravated by active duty. As a result, the claim for service connection for the left ankle disability is denied.