Ankle decisions — 2012

The Board denied service connection for left foot and ankle disorders, as well as kidney disorder. The Veteran's left foot fracture was found to be incurred in service, but his left ankle disorder and kidney disorder were not shown to have been caused by any in-service event.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for bilateral foot and ankle pain with DJD, but granted a higher rating for his low back disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and increased the rating for the Veteran's left ankle disability to 40 percent. The claim for increased ratings for his wrist disability was denied.

The Veteran's left knee, cervical spine, right shoulder, right hip and left ankle disorders are found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. Effective February 8, 2006, a 10% evaluation is assigned for the right knee.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for low back pain, but further development is needed to determine if a right ankle or foot disorder is also service-connected.,VA will obtain any additional VA medical records and provide an addendum to the July 2011 VA examination report.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to March 15, 2010. From that date onward, the disability has been rated as 20 percent disabling.