Ankle decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle fracture residuals are currently rated at 20 percent, reflecting marked limitation of motion. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show ankylosis or other disabling conditions warranting a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected right ankle sprain with posttraumatic arthritis.

The Board affirmed the RO's decision to deny the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities. The Veteran's lumbar spine and bilateral ankle disabilities were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims. Service connection for ulcers and an acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for the appellant's current disability manifested by pain and weakness in the low back, lower extremities, ankles, and feet.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a tear of the medial meniscus of the right knee and residuals of a right ankle fracture and capsulitis have been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, right ankle injury, gastrointestinal condition, non-union of the scaphoid (right wrist), right hand and finger condition, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and sleep apnea were all denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's lumbar spine and right ankle disabilities do not warrant increased evaluations as they have not been manifested by ankylosis, incapacitating episodes, or marked limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability was not incurred in active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and arthritis of the wrists, ankles, and right knee. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that this rating is appropriate based on moderate limitation of motion. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board denied reopening the Veteran's claims for malaria, right ankle and leg disabilities, and residuals of a right eye injury due to lack of new and material evidence.,No service connection was granted as there is no evidence linking any current conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically bilateral shin splints and residuals of left ankle sprain. The Board also found no evidence of a chronic left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability is being reviewed to determine if it has caused or aggravated his bilateral hip, ankle and foot disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination by a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon to assess the severity of his left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected low back condition, bilateral knee conditions, and ankle disabilities have been denied. The VA examiners found that the Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fractured right ankle are currently evaluated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The evidence does not support an increase in disability beyond this level.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death while the appeal was pending before the Court.

The Board's decision denying service connection for depressive disorder with anxiety, residuals of rubella, a right ankle disability, and residuals of a dislocated left shoulder is vacated due to the Veteran not being afforded a hearing. The case is now remanded for scheduling a travel board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle injury with traumatic changes is manifested by mild limitation of motion, but no significant muscle loss or damage. The Board finds that the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, a thoracic spine disorder, bilateral hearing loss, left leg disorder, left ankle disorder, and head injury. The appeals were not related to exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, or Gulf War. No new evidence was presented that would reopen the previously denied claims.