Ankle decisions — 2011

The Veteran is granted a 10 percent disability rating for his service-connected scars of the head and body, residuals of left ankle fractures, and residuals of left inferior and superior pubic rami fractures. The lumbosacral strain has not been rated higher.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination in determining whether the Veteran's left ankle and foot disability is related to his period of active service. The claim will be reconsidered after a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a hearing before the Board at the VA Regional Office in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for bilateral foot injury residuals with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as a bilateral ankle disorder due to foot injuries with osteoarthritis. The Veteran's current diagnosed conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of a right ankle disability during service and denied the claim for service connection. The hearing loss in the left ear was noted on multiple enlistment examinations, but there is no indication that it began during service. The low back injury occurred post-service and not during any ADT or IDT service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for lateral epicondylitis of the left elbow and residuals of a non-displaced fracture of the left ankle were denied as there was no evidence showing that either condition warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's right ankle disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating of 40 percent under DC 5262, as there was no evidence of nonunion with loose motion requiring a brace. The current 30 percent rating remains appropriate.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral wrist and ankle disorders. The issues are whether these conditions are related to service, specifically cold weather exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected left eyebrow scar and right ankle disability. The Veteran will be provided with a supplemental statement of the case if any determination remains unfavorable.

The Board denied service connection for left ankle disability, lumbosacral strain, and PTSD. The Veteran's left ankle disability is not shown to be related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's heart disorder, left elbow disorder, left foot/ankle disability, and hypertension have been granted service connection. The rating for the cervical spine disability has also been increased to 20 percent.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated as 10% disabling, but the Board has determined that a higher 20% rating should be granted for the entire appeal period, with the exception of periods when a temporary total rating was in effect.

The Veteran's low back strain, left knee strain with internal derangement, and left ankle sprain have been granted service connection. The initial evaluations for the left knee strain and left ankle sprain are increased to 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for tinnitus and right ear hearing loss disability was denied. The RO granted service connection for tinnitus but assigned a maximum 10 percent evaluation, which is the highest rating available under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle disorder and left knee dislocation were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims for service connection. The claim for increased rating of the left knee disability is remanded due to a possible worsening since the last examination.

The Veteran's left ankle disability results in no more than mild limitation of motion and does not result in ankylosis, warranting a 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing and further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, fatigue, and joint pain were denied as new and material evidence was not provided. The claim for increased evaluations for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is pending in the REMAND portion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back, bilateral hip, bilateral ankle, bilateral hand, bilateral knee, and genitourinary disabilities are caused by or related to his service-connected Reiter's Syndrome.