Ankle decisions — 2009

The appeal for an increased rating for the left wrist disability was denied as the Veteran's current disability level did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the heel spur, right foot and service connection for a bilateral ankle condition.

The Veteran's post-traumatic arthritis of the left ankle is rated at 20 percent, but his right ankle remains at 20 percent without further increase.

The Veteran's left foot and ankle disability is service-connected.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence related to the Veteran's claim for service connection for avulsion fracture, left ankle (also claimed as soft tissue overuse injury resulting in venous statis ulcer).

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury, as there was no evidence that such condition was incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as there was no evidence to support a higher rating or that any of the claimed conditions were related to his military service.

The Veteran was not service-connected for a disability rated as 100 percent disabling for at least 10 years immediately preceding his death, and therefore the appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's bilateral elbow, knee, ankle and foot disorders, a skin disorder, and a right shoulder disorder as they were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's right ankle disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, and he is not entitled to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for right hip and knee conditions, as well as service connection for right ankle sprains, were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no evidence of a more severe disability or causation by exposure to herbicides.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for arthritis of the knees, elbows, and ankles to afford the Veteran a VA examination.

The Veteran is entitled to a higher level of SMC compensation at a rate authorized pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(m), plus an intermediate level authorized under 38 C.F.R. § 3.350(f)(3).

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury, nerve damage to C5-6 of the cervical spine with radiation to the upper extremities, drug use, and residuals of a left ankle fracture as there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty.

The Board denied service connection for nocturnal paresthesias of the upper extremities, stiffness and soreness of both knees, ankles, and feet, chest pain, a lymph node on the right side of the throat, nasal infection, and weight gain as due to undiagnosed illness or other qualifying chronic disability.

The Board is remanding the claims for increased ratings for the service-connected right and left ankle disabilities to ensure compliance with a Joint Motion of the parties.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability as there was no evidence of a current disability.

The Board denied service connection for right and left ankle disorders, right and left knee disorders, bilateral pes planus, and bilateral hearing loss as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran is granted separate 10 percent ratings for each knee due to tendonitis with a history of arthritis, as the evidence shows limitation of motion and functional impairment caused by weakness.