Ankle decisions — 2011

The Veteran's left lower extremity disability, including his left foot and left ankle/Achilles tendon disability, was rated at 10 percent prior to October 4, 2010. From that date, the rating was increased to 20 percent. The scar of the right infra-scapular area was also rated at 10 percent prior to October 4, 2010.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current right ankle disorder, including whether it is related to service. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disorder is being remanded due to the need for clarification of his claims, additional VA examination, and retrieval of relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine his employability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's right wrist, left ankle, right ankle, bilateral pes cavus, and Reynaud's syndrome claims. The examination should include obtaining X-rays of the joints in question for the right wrist, left ankle, and right ankle, as well as weight-bearing X-rays for the feet.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability has been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 20 percent since May 16, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records, as well as the issuance of a statement of the case on several service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability is related to his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and thus remands for further development.

The Board found no evidence of a left hip or left ankle disability during service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the right and left ankles have been denied. The RO found that the service-connected right ankle disability caused a left ankle condition, but did not grant an initial rating in excess of 30 percent or 20 percent respectively.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's diagnosed left and right ankle, knee, and shoulder disorders, finding that they are related to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder, including sprain residuals and arthritis, was granted a 20 percent disability rating. The issues of service connection for other conditions were also addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a foot injury (claimed as cellulitis residuals and ankle scars) is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds no basis for a higher evaluation and denies the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right ankle and denied claims for initial compensable evaluations for allergic rhinitis and maxillary sinusitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of additional pertinent evidence and for a new VA examination to determine his employability.

The Veteran's left ankle fracture residuals and complete ankylosis of the subastragalar tarsal are rated at their maximum levels, precluding any further increase in rating.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was rated at 10 percent as of April 12, 2010. The rating is for the period prior to that date.

The Board denied service connection for left ankle, right ankle, and low back disabilities due to lack of evidence showing a direct or presumptive link between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's respiratory disability and left ankle disability were not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to asbestos. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against his claims for these disabilities.