Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's left ankle disorder, including sprain residuals and arthritis, was granted a 20 percent disability rating. The issues of service connection for other conditions were also addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a foot injury (claimed as cellulitis residuals and ankle scars) is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds no basis for a higher evaluation and denies the claim.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right ankle and denied claims for initial compensable evaluations for allergic rhinitis and maxillary sinusitis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of additional pertinent evidence and for a new VA examination to determine his employability.

The Veteran's left ankle fracture residuals and complete ankylosis of the subastragalar tarsal are rated at their maximum levels, precluding any further increase in rating.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was rated at 10 percent as of April 12, 2010. The rating is for the period prior to that date.

The Board denied service connection for left ankle, right ankle, and low back disabilities due to lack of evidence showing a direct or presumptive link between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's respiratory disability and left ankle disability were not incurred or aggravated by service, including exposure to asbestos. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence is against his claims for these disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a left ankle disability, resulting in a denial.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for postoperative residuals of left and right ankle injuries, as well as a separate compensable rating for scars associated with these conditions, were denied. The criteria for marked limitation of motion in the ankles did not meet the requirements for higher disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the earliest effective date for the grant of service connection for a right ankle sprain with degenerative changes is September 30, 2003. The Veteran's earlier claim was not considered as he did not file any formal or informal claims prior to this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hip, ankle, knee, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his time in active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back pain, right ankle pain, and left knee pain are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current bilateral ankle disorders and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected neuroma of the right ankle and bilateral feet is rated at 40 percent disabling effective August 21, 2009. Prior to this date, she was granted a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was found to have moderate limitation of motion prior to November 24, 2010. Since then, he has been rated at 20% since that date.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for residuals, right tibia and fibula fracture, distal 1/3, with decreased range of motion, right ankle was granted at a 10 percent rating effective March 16, 2005.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type I and ulcerative colitis/Crohn's disease as secondary to service-connected Graves' disease. The expert medical opinion supports these claims.