Ankle Board decisions

The veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left ankle and bilateral hearing loss, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing left ankle condition increased in disability during service, and thus service connection is granted for chronic recurrent left ankle sprains.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's malunion of the right tibia and fibula with marked ankle disability, as his condition primarily consists of limited motion of the ankle.

The veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were denied as there is no evidence of additional disability or death caused by VA care, treatment, examination, or supervision.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the right ankle with calcaneal spur have been denied. The RO has granted service connection and assigned initial disability ratings, but these have not been upheld in subsequent appeals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left ankle fracture, which is manifested by marked limitation of motion, warrants an initial evaluation of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his pes planus, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right knee strain, right ankle strain, and left ankle strain. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's bilateral ankle disorder, finding that it is as likely as not related to his in-service symptoms and findings. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded.

The veteran's claims for an extension of a temporary total rating and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance were denied as there is no evidence showing severe postoperative residuals or convalescence required after January 31, 2004.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a medical examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA orthopedic examination to assess the severity of his right ankle fracture residuals.

The veteran's psoriatic arthritis is rated at 10 percent for each affected joint (knees, hands, ankles, and shoulders). The right hand disability, including psoriatic arthritis and residuals of ganglion cyst, does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for residuals of a right leg fracture, unhealed abrasion of the lower right leg, and left arm/shoulder disability are granted as secondary to service-connected conditions. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of fractures to both his right wrist and ankle do not warrant an increase in disability ratings beyond the current 10% evaluations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of his claims for service connection.

The veteran's knee, hip, ankle, and foot disabilities are not service-connected. The Board denied the claims of service connection for left shoulder disability due to lack of evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right ankle disorder, bilateral leg disorder, low back disorder, or degenerative joint disease. The evidence of record does not support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 20 percent for the veteran's left ankle fracture residuals, finding that his symptoms include pain and limitation of motion on dorsiflexion. The RO will now assign an effective date based on this decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation for dermatophytosis were denied. The claim to reopen the left ankle disorder was also denied.