Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right ankle, left ankle, and left elbow disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Veteran is granted special monthly pension at the housebound rate due to his age and multiple nonservice-connected disabilities, with a combined rating of 80 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected post-operative residuals of a left ankle injury have been rated at 0 percent since the grant of service connection. The VA examiner found no evidence of increased functional loss after repetitive motion, and the Veteran's range of motion was within normal limits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability rating was reduced from 30 percent to 20 percent, and this decision is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). The issues of service connection for various conditions are pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, bilateral knee disability, and left ankle disability as new and material evidence was not received to reopen these claims. The claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is reopened but service connection is not granted.

The Veteran's left leg disabilities, including osteopenia and ankle degenerative joint disease, were not caused or aggravated by VA treatment for a 2000 leg fracture. The Board found no evidence of negligence or fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural deficiencies, specifically the failure to provide proper notice for a scheduled hearing. The case will be returned to the RO for scheduling another videoconference hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral ankle disability and an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected conditions. The issues on appeal include service connection for sleep apnea and initial ratings for GERD, hypothyroidism, and left ankle arthritis.

PTSD rated at 30 percent prior to January 13, 2009 and increased to 50 percent effective January 13, 2009.,Left ankle injury with arthritis rated at 10 percent prior to January 13, 2009 and increased to 20 percent effective January 13, 2009.,Right knee injury rated at 10 percent prior to July 28, 2006 and increased to 30 percent from July 28, 2006 to January 13, 2009. Since then, the rating is 20 percent.,PTSD granted effective August 9, 2005; left ankle injury with arthritis rated at 10 percent prior to July 28, 2006 and increased to 20 percent from July 28, 2006 to January 13, 2009. Right knee injury rated at 10 percent prior to July 28, 2006 and increased to 30 percent from July 28, 2006 to January 13, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fevers, chilly feelings, dyssomnia, aching joints, and a skin condition have been denied as there is no objective evidence of these conditions during or after service.

The Veteran's recurrent right ankle sprain was granted an initial noncompensable disability rating, and service connection for Lyme disease was denied. The Veteran's right wrist condition claim is pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder due to lack of medical evidence showing a current disability related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and VCAA notice.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were not continuously rated totally disabling for at least five years from the date of his separation from service, and therefore, he is not eligible for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's right hand and ankle conditions are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the residuals of a right ankle injury, fracture of the medial malleolus with degenerative changes is granted. Service connection was established for this condition. The claims for service connection for skin cancer, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left shoulder disorders, right hand disorder, left hand disorder, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, circulatory disorder, and sleep disorder are all granted as they are found to be aggravated by his military service.