Ankle decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left ankle injury was denied as the evidence did not show that he had ankylosis of the ankle, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral ankle, knee, low back strain and left sacroiliac joint strain disabilities have been granted initial disability ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right shoulder, and right ankle disabilities due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The increased rating and diabetes mellitus claims are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right shoulder and left ankle disabilities are service-connected. His right knee disability is not service-connected.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected status post left and right lower extremity compartment syndrome release with residual limitation of motion of the ankles, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for right shoulder and arm injury, ankle injury, and back injury were denied as there was no evidence of additional disability resulting from VA care.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including headaches, fatigue, respiratory issues, right hip disability, cervical spine disability, abnormal weight loss, muscle pain, and cardiac disability, have been denied as secondary to other service-connected conditions. The Board found no evidence of chronicity or presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's right hip disability is not service-connected, and her claims for increased rating of the right knee and psychiatric disabilities are denied. The claim to reopen a previously denied right ankle disability was also denied.

The Board found no evidence of chronic disabilities of the right knee, low back, right wrist, or right ankle that were incurred in service or related to a service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the foot and ankle associated with residuals of fracture of proximal shaft of right femur with shortening of the right lower extremity is granted, with the effective date set at July 13, 1994.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his left ankle disability and consideration of additional evidence.

The Veteran's unauthorized emergency room visit at the University of Wisconsin Hospital was denied as he did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations, despite his claim that he intended to seek treatment at a VA facility.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel board hearing as soon as it may be feasible.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current hip or ankle disability related to service-connected knee disability and/or service. Therefore, service connection for bilateral hip and ankle disabilities is denied.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition and a left elbow condition. Additional VA examinations are required to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee, thigh laceration with superficial scar, and ankle sprain disabilities have been denied. The RO found that the current disability ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a right leg injury other than a scar, and his arthritis of the right knee was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board also found no evidence to support a claim for any right ankle disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining workers' compensation records and scheduling VA examinations to address the relationship between his current knee and ankle disorders and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to schedule a travel hearing. The Veteran's right ankle disability claim remains pending.