Ankle decisions — 2011

The VA determined that there is no current evidence of a right ankle disorder and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosis of fibromyalgia is likely related to her service-connected stress fractures and other injuries during boot camp, leading to a favorable decision on her claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability is manifested by no more than marked limitation of motion, and therefore, a rating in excess of 20 percent for post-operative residuals of a right ankle injury is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip disability was not considered as the appeal is not about service connection at all. The Veteran's increased evaluation claims for his left ankle disability were denied prior to June 25, 2002 and granted with a 40% evaluation from that date onwards.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a right ankle disability as the result of disease or injury incurred in service, and denied his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral ankle, hip, leg, hearing loss, lung disability (other than pulmonary tuberculosis), skin disability, psychiatric disability (PTSD), and erectile dysfunction. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease with history of myocardial infarction and hypertension, as well as left ankle degenerative joint disease and left leg disability, were denied. The Board found that the current disabilities are not attributable to his period of military service.

The Veteran's left ankle disability and depression have been granted service connection, with the former being linked to a service-connected condition (tarsal tunnel syndrome) and the latter being secondary to physical abuse and medical conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for schizophrenia. The issue of service connection for arthritis of the back, knees, ankles, and wrists remains denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination records from Fresno VAMC. The case will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed low back, left knee, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, and right ankle disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and right ankle disorder have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or secondary aggravation by a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disorder and gastrointestinal disorder (H. pylori infection). The right foot disorder and chest wall syndrome claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, a left ankle disability, and a left wrist disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain is rated at 20 percent, and service connection for PTSD, major depressive disorder, and migraine headaches (secondary to fibromyalgia) has been granted. The claim for service connection for fibromyalgia remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including gastrointestinal, hearing loss, left wrist, left ankle, and skin conditions were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any service-connected right hip/thigh, left ankle, or cervical spine disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left foot and ankle disorder, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities meeting VA criteria or sufficient continuity of symptoms to establish service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and provide the Veteran with another VA examination to determine if his current right ankle disorder is related to his active military service.