Ankle Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, lumbosacral strain, and right ankle disability. The evidence did not support a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board denied claims for service connection for tinnitus, gout of the ankles and feet, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities. The veteran's claim for tinnitus was denied as there was no earlier filed claim found. Service connection for gout and peripheral neuropathy were also denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle disability is manifested by marked limitation of motion, but not ankylosis. The criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a left ankle fracture and residuals of a fracture of the coccyx are denied as there is no evidence to support higher disability ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of right ankle, left ankle, or asthma disabilities and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral ankle, knee, and low back disabilities as secondary to her service-connected pes planus. The claim for an increased rating for pes planus was also denied.

The veteran's claim for additional compensation for his dependent child, D., based on school attendance during the period from September 1998 to January 2000 was denied as no formal or informal claim was filed within one year of the time period.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 10% for the veteran's service-connected right ankle fracture, finding that his symptoms warrant this level of disability throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder, right ankle, stomach, and gastroesophageal disease disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for a back disorder secondary to his right ankle disability was dismissed due to lack of timely filing of a substantive appeal. The TDIU issue is held in abeyance.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination to assess his service-connected right ankle disability, including any potential surgery.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any current bilateral shoulder, knee, or ankle disabilities that are related to service. Therefore, his claims for service connection in this regard are denied.

The veteran's right ankle disorder is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 40 percent, which corresponds to the highest amputation rule rating for below-the-knee disabilities. The claim for a higher evaluation is denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left ankle strain, finding that his disability has not exceeded moderate limitation of motion.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various left and right lower extremity disorders, as well as a back disorder, have been denied due to the absence of current diagnoses or medical nexus.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis of various joints and entitlement to TDIU due to incomplete evidence, including a lack of x-rays from his May 2004 VA examination.

The veteran's service-connected low back disorder is not rated higher than 20 percent due to lack of severe lumbosacral strain or incapacitating episodes requiring bedrest and treatment prescribed by a physician.,The veteran's service-connected right knee disorder does not warrant an increased rating as it does not meet the criteria for flexion limited to 30 degrees and extension limited to 15 degrees.

The veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have been denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during or within one year after service. The Board finds that the current diagnoses are not related to active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a crushed left foot and left ankle impingement syndrome with chronic sprain/strain, as well as his claim for service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis as secondary to a crushed left foot. The Board found that there was no direct evidence linking the current disabilities to service or any incident therein.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and proper VCAA notice.