Ankle decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for various service-connected conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 20 percent for thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome and deep peroneal nerve radiculopathy, or a separate rating of 10 percent for left shoulder strain.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinea pedis, lower back condition, and PTSD. The claims for service connection for a shoulder condition were referred to the RO.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions regarding his left ankle disability and low back disability.

The Veteran's left ankle fracture residuals are currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has determined that a higher rating of 30 percent is warranted based on more severe disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right foot/ankle disabilities, including bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis, and degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, are not service-connected as they were first diagnosed many years after military service.

The Veteran's initial rating for left ankle instability was denied as the evidence did not support a higher than 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's hypertension, osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, osteoarthritis of the shoulder and osteoarthritis of the left ankle were not related to his service or any incident during active service.

The Veteran was granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and assigned a noncompensable initial rating. Tinnitus was also granted with an initial 10 percent rating, but no higher rating is available.

The Board denied higher initial ratings for right hip, knee, and ankle disabilities based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected arthritis in right ankle, residuals of sprain.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee condition and increased ratings for the left ankle and left knee disabilities.

The Board grants service connection for a musculoskeletal right ankle disorder as it is related to the Veteran's service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee and ankle disability as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen the claims, and denied service connection for a spine disability as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the etiology of any current ankle disorders.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a low back disorder and left ankle disorder to afford the Veteran an appropriate VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, ankle disability, knee disability, groin injury, gout, and psoriatic arthritis of the feet as there was no credible evidence establishing that an event, injury, or disease related to these claimed disabilities occurred in service.

The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disorder, and found that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen claims for loss of feeling in the hands and arms and hepatitis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee, left knee, and right ankle disabilities were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral ankle arthritis, finding that the evidence supports a chronic disease on a presumptive basis under 38 C.F.R. § 3.307(a)(3), 3.309(a).

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, left knee and ankle disorders. The rating was increased from 30% to 20% for the right hip pain with atrophy of the right thigh and calf muscles.