Ankle decisions — 2010

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, right ankle disorder, and left hip disorder. The issues of secondary service connection have been addressed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of a left ankle fracture is denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and a VA examination to address whether the definition of ankylosis includes total fixation or limited motion.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disorder is rated at 20 percent prior to September 1, 2009 and at 30 percent from September 1, 2009. The Board has also granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claimed bilateral ankle, shin, knee, hip, low back, and hemorrhoid disorders are not service-connected as they were not present in service or caused by his service-connected pes planus valgus with calcaneal fat pad syndrome.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen his previously denied claim for a psychiatric disorder. The cervical spine strain claim was also denied as there is no medical opinion linking it to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining service personnel and medical records, as well as arranging for an examination. The Appellant's claim of having sustained ankle injuries during his active duty military tour from March 1978 to March 1981 is also considered.

The Board's decision on the right knee and right ankle disorders is dismissed due to a remand by the Court.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left leg and ankle disability is related to his military service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further readjudication due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his right ankle condition and hypertension do not warrant higher evaluations under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing benefits due to his combined disability rating and employment status.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral ankle disability and denied his claim for service connection. The Board also noted that there is no in-service treatment record of an ankle injury, but did not provide a VA examination or opinion regarding the knee disability.

The Veteran's chronic low back strain is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has granted a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of right and left ankle fractures. Service connection for anxiety disorder and arthritis of the ankles to include as secondary to service-connected ankle fractures was also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including VA examinations and readjudication of service connection claims. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination. The Veteran is also asked to provide additional information regarding his undiagnosed illness claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to report for a VA examination and because of the need to reschedule it. The claim will be reconsidered after the new examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding whether a right ankle disability had its onset in service or was caused by an injury during service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current left flank or right ankle disabilities and denied her claims of service connection for these conditions, including as secondary to a right knee disability. The Board also noted that the issue of whether a rating reduction from 30 percent to 20 percent effective November 1, 2009, for a lumbosacral spine disability was warranted is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, unclear nature of his claimed conditions, and the need for a VA examination.