Ankle decisions — 2011

The Veteran's SMC was reduced from the housebound rate to the 'K' rate for loss of use of a creative organ. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary due to the reduction in his disability rating and need for an examination to determine if he needs regular aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for GERD, respiratory disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral foot disorder. The new evidence submitted by the Veteran and her spouse supports a current diagnosis of these conditions and their onset in service. However, no definitive clinical diagnoses have been provided post-service.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of a left knee or left ankle disorder, and the VA examiner found no link between his in-service motorcycle accident and any current disabilities. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected ankle sprains and right shoulder disability have been withdrawn. The Board has determined that the current rating of 10 percent for the service-connected right shoulder disability is appropriate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause her to be in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, as evidenced by her limited mobility, inability to dress or bathe herself without assistance, and frequent need for adjustment of special prosthetic appliances. The Board finds that she meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder. The Veteran is also presumed to have incurred other conditions within one year of his separation from active duty.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right ankle disorder is not related to his service, and thus denies the claim for service connection. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a left calcaneal spur remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU were denied. The Board found that his loss of use of both feet due to bilateral ankle fractures was not related to military service or reserve duty, and his psychiatric disorder was not caused by military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the RO after the hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for avascular necrosis of the left ankle, status post fusion is being remanded due to a lack of complete medical records and further development is needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of left ankle injury, shin splints, and gastrointestinal disorder were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to these conditions that is attributable to active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ankle, cervical spine, and low back injuries were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus have been withdrawn.,Service connection is not granted for a left ankle disability. The Veteran's current ankle pain started in 2004.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral ankle motion limitation is granted, and his right and left foot disabilities are each rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder and hypertension were not incurred in or related to service.,The Veteran's left knee disability was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee and left ankle disabilities were denied by the RO.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right ankle disorders were denied as the current evaluations of 10 percent are considered adequate to reflect the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a travel board hearing at the RO in Atlanta, Georgia.