Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple issues, including dermatitis, PTSD, hip and knee disabilities, muscle cramps, shoulder impingement, upper back condition, cervical spine syndrome (neck condition), low back disability, and ankle disability. The appeals are all now denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle Achilles tendonitis and low back disability were denied. The Veteran was also denied increased ratings for cervical spine degenerative disease, GERD with irritable bowel syndrome, and headaches.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a post-operative left ankle injury is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of a right tibial osteoid osteoma. The remaining claims, including those for secondary service connection and increased rating, are referred back to the RO for further action.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's left ankle fracture and hypertension have been granted initial disability evaluations, with the left ankle fracture receiving a maximum of 20 percent since November 29, 2007.

The Veteran is seeking a higher initial rating for her service-connected right ankle sprain. The Board has found that a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of her disability, and thus remands the case back to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claims for increased ratings were not substantiated by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render her in need of regular aid and attendance, as she can manage most of her daily personal needs without assistance.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right ankle disability, which is currently rated at 30 percent, has been denied as the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's kidney stones, right eye disability, elbow disability, periodontal disease, left hip degenerative joint disease, impingement syndrome of the left shoulder, CAD, PVD of the right subclavian artery, GERD, IBS, fracture of the left ankle, and hemorrhoids have been granted service connection. The Veteran is assigned a 20 percent initial rating for PVD of the right subclavian artery.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected right ankle disability has been denied as the current evaluation of 40 percent is considered the maximum available under VA regulations.,A temporary total evaluation was granted from April 7, 1997 to May 31, 1999 due to the Veteran's need for convalescence following surgery for his right ankle disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right ankle disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his right ankle disability was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the Veterans Law Judge who presided at his hearing no longer working for the Board. He has been offered a new hearing via video conference, and he has requested one.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ankle sprains. The effective date of the grant of service connection for hearing loss of the right ear is set at October 20, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include knee and ankle conditions, do not meet the percentage rating standards for TDIU. However, the Board found that all forms of employment were not precluded solely due to these disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral ankle disorder and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right ankle injury warrant an evaluation of 20 percent disabling, effective June 12, 2009. The claim for service connection for a left ankle disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disorder.