Ankle Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that her right ankle sprain warranted a 10 percent rating. The other issues were also denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left ankle disability was denied as the evidence did not show any ankylosis, and he is already receiving the maximum 20 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle disability, which is rated as osteochondritis dissecans with arthritis and instability, warrants a rating of 20 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining more recent medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected ankle disorders.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension, left shoulder disorder, or left ankle disorder related to his periods of active military service. As such, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining Social Security records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the left ankle disability. The veteran's claim for service connection for HNP of the lumbar spine as secondary to the service-connected residuals of a left ankle fracture disability will also be reconsidered.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, finding that the current disabilities are related to in-service ankle sprains. Service connection was denied for a right knee disability due to lack of evidence linking it to an in-service injury.

The Board found that the veteran's right ankle disability is manifested by daily pain and occasional swelling, functional impairment due to pain, limited dorsiflexion to 10 degrees, and limited plantar flexion to 35 degrees. The RO originally granted service connection for residuals of right ankle injury in September 1963, assigning a 10 percent rating effective July 10, 1963. In August 2002, the RO assigned an increased rating of 20 percent for the right ankle, effective April 17, 2002. The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent was denied.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for residuals of a right ankle injury due to the need for further development, including scheduling another VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for a right lower leg disorder, a right ankle disorder, and a reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Service connection was granted for the right ankle disorder.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic gliosis of the left tempero-occipital region and a right knee disability, both on the basis that there is no evidence of a nexus to service. The low back disability claim remains pending.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for further development due to a lack of compliance with previous remand instructions.

The Board has granted a rating of 10 percent for the veteran's shrapnel wound, right thigh, Muscle Group XIV and traumatic degenerative arthritis of the left ankle. The veteran is not entitled to higher ratings as his muscle disability does not meet the criteria for a moderately severe injury under VA regulations, and his knee and hip have normal range of motion.

The Board found that the veteran's right ankle disability is etiologically related to his bilateral knee medial plica syndrome, and thus granted service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture.

The Board has determined that the effective date for a 30 percent evaluation for service-connected residuals of fracture, left tibia and fibula is March 19, 2003. The claim for an increased rating remains pending as the veteran's disability continues to warrant such a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and disabilities of the wrists, knees, and ankles. The claim for hearing loss was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. For the wrist, knee, and ankle conditions, there is no competent medical evidence showing that these conditions are related to service or any incident therein.

The Board has denied the veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for right ankle and right knee disorders due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for a right ankle disorder was not reopened, while the claim for a right knee disorder is considered reopened.

The veteran did not establish service connection for any disability during his lifetime, and therefore DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a left ankle disability that is related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The VA denied service connection for left ankle disability and irritable bowel syndrome, finding no current disabilities related to service or an undiagnosed illness.