Ankle Board decisions

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's left ankle disability since October 4, 2006. Prior to that date, the disability was rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations and TDIU were denied. The current ratings for his service-connected conditions are appropriate.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of the veteran's current symptoms, including persistent right ankle instability, falls caused by the instability, pain, swelling, numbness, and weakness in the right lower extremity. Additionally, copies of treatment records from Dr. Syperek should be requested.

The Board has granted service connection for T-12 compression fracture, degenerative changes C5-6 and C6-7, and left knee disability as secondary to the veteran's service-connected left knee chondromalacia with arthritis and meniscal tear. The claim for service connection for left ankle disability is not established.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized private medical expenses incurred on May 19, 2003 is denied as VA facilities were feasibly available and the treatment was not provided in a medical emergency.

The veteran's appeals for service connection of the residuals of left shoulder injury, residuals of left ankle sprain, and an increased evaluation for the residuals of right shoulder injury/contusion have been REMANDED to the RO. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Board has decided that the veteran's current left ankle disability is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his left ankle disability and osteomyelitis of the left tibia, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including the need for a VA examination to assess her Crohn's disease and joint conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, nerve damage, and a bilateral ankle disability due to lack of medical evidence showing these conditions are related to service.

The veteran does not have residuals of a right ankle fracture incurred or aggravated in active service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for rheumatoid arthritis with degenerative joint disease of the ankles, right knee, right hip, and right hand were denied due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA medical examination.,The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left hip was also denied due to his failure to appear for a scheduled VA medical examination.

The veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for right ankle and right knee disabilities were denied. The RO continued the current 20 percent evaluation for right ankle disability, which is already at its maximum schedular rating. For the right knee disability, a 10 percent initial evaluation was assigned, but no higher as there is no evidence of limitation of motion that would warrant such an increase.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a left ankle fracture, finding that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation during the period from August 12, 1959 to September 18, 2002.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis, low back disability, prostate disability, residuals of burn scars on the back and left arm, status post fracture of distal phalanx of the left great toe, and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and tinea pedis. The issues of increased ratings for hypertension and service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury are remanded.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a right ankle disorder or left knee disorder that is attributable to his military service. The evidence shows no treatment for these conditions during service and no diagnosis until many years after separation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of various joints and a compensable evaluation for rheumatic heart disease, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty or any service-connected disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his service-connected left ankle fracture and did not find new and material evidence to reopen his claims of entitlement to service connection for low back, right knee, and bilateral hip disorders secondary to a service-connected left ankle fracture.