Ankle Board decisions

The Board has granted a higher initial disability rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the right ankle, effective from August 14, 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis of multiple joints, including shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, and ankles, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board also noted that his back pain in service was acute and transitory, and did not establish a link to current arthritis.

The Veteran was granted service connection for a pulmonary disorder (other than asthma), arthritis of the left ankle, and hypopigmented macules. Service connection was denied for hemorrhoids, post-traumatic syndrome/headaches, and mechanical back syndrome.,Service connection was granted for a pulmonary disorder (other than asthma) due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that none of these disorders were incurred or aggravated by active duty or active duty for training.

The Veteran's left ankle disability does not meet the criteria for a separate compensable rating as there is no X-ray evidence of arthritis and his range of motion is within normal limits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle strain/sprain with calcifications and right knee degenerative arthritis are not related to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral ankle disorder or prostate cancer, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for service connection for a bilateral ankle disorder is denied as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a left ankle disability, and the left knee disability did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's severe pain and weakness in his lower extremities, due to service-connected disabilities, meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not warrant higher ratings based on the evidence of record.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities involving the Veteran's bilateral knees, left shoulder, left ankle, or back, including the lumbar and thoracic spine, that are due to any incident or event in active military service.

The Veteran's left ankle disability, manifested by arthritis and functional impairments of limitation of motion, pain, weakness, lack of endurance, and fatigability, is currently rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5271 for marked limitation of motion. The appeal is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a low back disability due to further development. The initial rating claim for left ankle disability remains pending and warrants a higher 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure of the Veteran to report for a VA examination scheduled in August 2009.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle disability did not pre-exist service and was not aggravated by service. The current right ankle disability is unrelated to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for further development of his claim.

The Veteran's service connection claims were granted for various conditions, including a scar on the left breast, residuals of liposuction surgery, spondylosis of the thoracic spine, right ankle strain, migraine headaches, lumbar sprain, and major depressive disorder. The effective dates are not specified.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claim for a right knee disorder was not addressed as it did not meet the criteria for reopening.