Ankle Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle disorder and diabetes mellitus are service-connected. The left ankle disorder is considered a direct result of an injury in service, while diabetes mellitus did not manifest during or within one year after service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim and granted service connection for bilateral valgus deformity, tendinitis of the ankles, and post-operative residuals of a left 5th hammertoe deformity due to aggravation by active military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to her relocation and failure to attend a scheduled hearing.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for loss of teeth and residuals of a right ankle fracture is being remanded due to incomplete medical records. The RO must attempt to locate the veteran's complete service medical records, including those from Fort Myerner Medical Clinic, Pentagon Medical Clinic, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and other possible sources.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disorder, residuals of a right ankle fracture, headaches, and hypertension are etiologically related to service. Therefore, these claims are granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of any current right ankle, right knee, or low back disorders and to ensure compliance with VCAA requirements.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a left ankle disability and a psychiatric disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the left ankle claim and concluding that the psychiatric disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected osteochondritis dissecans of the left ankle is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO. The case will be returned to the Board following appropriate appellate procedure.

The veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, effective December 1, 1998. The bilateral plantar fasciitis remains at a 10 percent rating.

The VA has denied a higher initial evaluation for the veteran's service-connected left ankle disability, finding that the evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a back disorder and entitlement to increased ratings for his left knee, right knee, and right thumb disabilities. The RO had previously denied these claims in October 1995.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to changes in regulations and new medical opinions regarding radiation exposure.

The veteran's current right ankle disability, diagnosed as arthritis and a heel spur, was incurred in service due to an injury sustained during active duty.

The Board has granted an initial disability evaluation of 20 percent for residuals of a fractured right ankle, effective from the date of the decision.

The veteran's claim for a compensable disability evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 was denied as no basis exists for assignment of such based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's right shoulder and left ankle disabilities have been granted service connection, with a 10% rating assigned for each condition.

The veteran's claims for initial evaluations of his service-connected disabilities were denied. The residuals of a fractured mandible do not warrant a compensable evaluation, the low back disorder is rated at 10 percent based on moderate intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks, and both knee and ankle conditions are each rated at 10 percent.

The RO denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a fungus disorder of the right ankle and leg in March 1953, finding no evidence to support it.