Ankle decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently have a right shoulder or left ankle condition, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to an initial compensable rating for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's hypertension, sciatica of the left leg, and initial rating for left ankle arthritis have been granted. The Veteran is currently assigned a 10 percent evaluation for his left ankle arthritis.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings, reopening of service connection claims, and hepatitis C have all been denied by the RO.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right ankle disability was denied. The current rating of 20 percent is maintained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle condition and cervical spine condition were not reopened. His claim for increased rating of depression was denied, as well as his claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain and hallux valgus. The Veteran was granted TDIU prior to February 23, 2008.

The Board found that the overpayment of compensation benefits due to a change in marital status was properly created, and denied the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, rated at 20 percent since April 2005, is granted. The claim for TDIU is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, residuals of a left knee injury, and residuals of a left ankle injury due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for the low back disability and denied increased ratings for the right ankle and right tibia disabilities. The TDIU claim is remanded to the RO.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a fractured left ankle with degenerative changes, instability of the right knee, postoperative, and limitation of extension of the right knee with degenerative joint disease are not rated higher than their current levels.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic wrist and ankle conditions have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the loss of use of both feet, entitling him to special monthly compensation at the maximum rate.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current left foot/ankle disorder related to service or service-connected disability and denied his claim.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's right ankle disability and assigned a noncompensable rating. From February 19, 2010, the Veteran was awarded a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of his claims.

The Veteran's right foot disability, including Achilles tendonitis, arch and midfoot muscular strain with synovitis, and forefoot synovitis, is currently rated at 20 percent before May 6, 2009, and at 30 percent from that date. The right ankle disability, including synovitis and ligament laxity, meets the criteria for a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as he did not have any diagnosed conditions related to his active or reserve service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for a left ankle disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right eye disability, hepatitis, left hip disability, lumbar spine disability, bilateral leg disability, and right foot and ankle disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.