Ankle Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's status post left ankle fracture with degenerative arthritis more nearly approximates marked limitation of motion, warranting a disability rating of 20 percent.

The Board has granted a 20 percent initial disability evaluation for synovitis of the left ankle, which is the maximum schedular rating based on limitation of motion. There is no medical evidence of ankylosis or other complications that would warrant a higher initial rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right and left knee disabilities, ankle disabilities, temporomandibular joint disease, scars of multiple body parts, unspecified condition of the temple (other than scarring), vision loss, and headaches. The appeals were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary to service-connected disability.

The veteran does not qualify for an annual clothing allowance as he does not wear a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance due to a service-connected disability, and the right ankle instability is not related to his service-connected right knee condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative arthritis of both hips, ankles, right knee, and back is likely due to his service-connected left leg shortening. The rating for a depressive disorder remains unchanged.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for further development due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations and other procedural issues.

The Board found no evidence of chronic conditions related to the veteran's service, thus denying her claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle injury and degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbosacral spine are not service connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current residuals of frostbitten feet, and his right ankle sprain, right hand injury residuals, right shin/tibia disability, bladder disability, right knee disability, or low back disability are not related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected postoperative residuals of chronic instability, lateral left ankle, as she currently has no more than moderate limitation of motion.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right ankle disability and hyperthyroidism, finding that the evidence did not support ratings higher than the current 10 percent evaluations.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have left and right hip and pelvic disorders, but he does have bilateral ankle disorders secondary to his service-connected post-operative residuals of hallux valgus. The claim for increased ratings for post-operative residuals of hallux valgus is also denied.

The veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective from February 10, 2006. The right ankle and gastroesophageal reflux disease disabilities are each rated at 10 percent.

The Board has denied service connection for right and left ankle fractures, finding no current disability or evidence of such in service. Service connection for a back disorder is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, residuals of septorhinoplasty, right foot disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, and alcohol dependency. The decision found that none of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral hip, knee, and ankle disorders as secondary to his service-connected low back disability and/or service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made. As such, the appeal is dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors. Service connection was also denied for jungle rot and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that a remand is required to determine the etiology of the veteran's current bilateral foot/ankle disorder and whether it is related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions was dismissed as he did not file a timely substantive appeal.