Ankle Board decisions

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.

The Veteran's initial ratings for bilateral pes planus, left ankle fracture residuals, and right ankle fracture were granted with noncompensable disability ratings. The Veteran was granted a higher (compensable) initial rating of 10 percent for the residuals of his right ankle fracture and a 10 percent disability rating for the cystectomy scar of the right foot (with fibroma).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for right and left ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and left ankle disabilities are service-connected based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

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

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle disability is etiologically related to his service-connected left knee disability and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current right ankle disability is related to his in-service injury. If the examiner finds a relationship, service connection will be granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine strain is causally related to his service-connected right knee disability, and thus granted service connection for this condition. The Board found no evidence of a right ankle disorder in service or since filing the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip, bilateral knee, and right ankle conditions are not due to or caused by his service-connected left leg varicose veins. The VA examiner found no relationship between these conditions and the service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records and a temporary file.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of comminuted spiral fracture of the left tibia and fibula with post traumatic arthritis of the left ankle, and post traumatic arthritis of the cervical and thoracic spine have been granted. The Veteran is now receiving a 20 percent rating for each condition.

The Veteran's left foot and ankle peripheral sensory neuropathy has been characterized as moderate, incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The Board grants an initial rating of 20 percent for this condition since March 29, 2006.