Ankle decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a left ankle disability, resulting in a denial.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for postoperative residuals of left and right ankle injuries, as well as a separate compensable rating for scars associated with these conditions, were denied. The criteria for marked limitation of motion in the ankles did not meet the requirements for higher disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the earliest effective date for the grant of service connection for a right ankle sprain with degenerative changes is September 30, 2003. The Veteran's earlier claim was not considered as he did not file any formal or informal claims prior to this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hip, ankle, knee, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his time in active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back pain, right ankle pain, and left knee pain are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current bilateral ankle disorders and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected neuroma of the right ankle and bilateral feet is rated at 40 percent disabling effective August 21, 2009. Prior to this date, she was granted a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was found to have moderate limitation of motion prior to November 24, 2010. Since then, he has been rated at 20% since that date.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for residuals, right tibia and fibula fracture, distal 1/3, with decreased range of motion, right ankle was granted at a 10 percent rating effective March 16, 2005.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type I and ulcerative colitis/Crohn's disease as secondary to service-connected Graves' disease. The expert medical opinion supports these claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current left ankle disorder and left Achilles tendon tear were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues, including service connection and compensation claims. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the Veteran's service, specifically ruling out arthritis in his right forearm and left ankle. The decision also noted that there was no indication of bony involvement in the burn or any other episode in service involving his right arm.

The Board found no current diagnoses of any disorders of the left leg, knee, ankle or foot in the claims folder and thus denied service connection for all four issues.

The Veteran's headaches, bilateral knee disability, and residuals of ankle sprains are all found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right ankle sprain was granted, but the claims for service connection for back and knee disabilities were denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and right ankle disabilities. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of secondary service connection theories. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of these actions.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks due to symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, suspiciousness, and chronic sleep impairment.