Ankle decisions — 2011

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for lumbosacral spine spondylosis, degenerative joint disease of bilateral wrists, bilateral knee replacement, and degenerative joint disease of left ankle as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, right hip, low back, and diabetes mellitus disabilities. However, further development is needed to ensure all relevant medical records are obtained and to provide a thorough examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing bilateral ankle condition was aggravated during his time in active service, and therefore grants service connection for a bilateral ankle condition. The sinusitis issue is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing. The rating for a left foot callous, service connection for skin rash of the left ankle, and reopening claims for right knee disorder, depression, and tinnitus are all on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including examination of his cardiovascular and orthopedic conditions.

The Veteran's residuals of a left ankle strain are manifested by marked limitation of motion, warranting an evaluation of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new evidence submitted by the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine and left ankle disabilities do not warrant an evaluation in excess of the currently assigned ratings.

The Veteran's left leg disabilities, including shrapnel wounds and vascular injury, are currently rated at the maximum allowed under applicable diagnostic codes. The effective date for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of his service-connected right and left ankle disabilities, including a VA examination to determine the current level of severity.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent from November 1, 2004 until January 31, 2007 and increased to 50 percent thereafter. The bilateral hip disorders were each rated at 10 percent. The Veteran's lumbar spine condition was initially rated at 10 percent and later increased to 20 percent.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was rated at 20% since June 10, 2010. The rating is based on moderate limitation of motion due to pain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including examinations and the provision of outstanding medical records.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability due to the claimed bilateral ankle injuries and denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, effective May 23, 2007. The right knee and left knee disabilities are each rated at 10 percent, effective September 24, 2007. The lumbar spine disability remains rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed as he requested the matter be withdrawn and his claims file returned to the RO.

The VA has granted service connection for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities and lumbar spine disability but denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left ankle disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining records and conducting examinations. The issues of service connection for various disorders are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for VA examinations to assess the severity of his right foot and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 30 percent under the criteria for impairment of tibia and fibula, with marked ankle disability without ankylosis.