Ankle Board decisions

The Board has ordered the RO to provide a VA examination for the veteran's right shoulder and right ankle disabilities, as well as readjudicate his claims. The case is being remanded due to failure of the RO to comply with prior instructions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for arthritis of the knees and left knee patellofemoral chondritis, as well as the increased evaluation for lumbar paravertebral fibromyositis and herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1. The issue of a compensable disability evaluation for postoperative residuals of right knee arthroscopy and right medial meniscus tear remains denied.

The VA has denied the appellant's requests for increased evaluations for his right ear hearing loss and anxiety reaction, but granted a higher rating for his service-connected right ankle disability. The total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) request was also denied.,The current ratings for the appellant's service-connected conditions are appropriate given the severity of his disabilities and their impact on his employment.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for postoperative residuals of a severe sprain of the right ankle. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for post-traumatic stress disorder is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran is granted special monthly compensation on account of loss of use of the right foot, with resolution of reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board denied compensation benefits based on the absence of additional organic orthopedic or neurologic disability resulting from VA surgery in May 1989.

The Board has vacated its decision and remanded the case due to new legal requirements from the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The veteran's claims for increased ratings for tendonitis of her ankles are now pending at the RO.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist scar was reopened, and he is now entitled to a 30 percent evaluation for his PTSD. The claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, bilateral ankle disability, skin rash, and prostate disability were denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current bilateral ankle disability, including her right ankle fracture and arthritis, is not related to her active duty for training. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the disabilities existed prior to service or were aggravated by service.

The VA denied increased evaluations for the service-connected right ankle fracture residuals and COPD, but granted service connection for a skin rash.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current left leg and ankle disability related to her military service, nor does she meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for her left ear hearing loss. As such, both claims are denied.

The veteran's hearing loss is granted as incurred in service. Service connection for ulcers is denied. The right ankle injury with old avulsion fracture and the right foot injury with plantar fasciitis are both granted increased ratings.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected right ankle fracture, currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle disability warrants a 20 percent rating, and his left wrist disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a right ankle injury warrant an initial rating in excess of 10 percent, but further examination is needed to determine the extent of functional loss due to pain and other factors.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture and temporary total ratings based on hospitalization, finding that there was no evidence showing a relationship to service or service-connected conditions.

The veteran's right ankle disability did not require a period of convalescence beyond July 1, 2000 due to his March 2000 surgical procedure.

The Board has ordered additional development to be completed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral leg disability will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the service connected residuals of a left ankle fracture and arthritis of the left wrist, finding that these conditions result in marked limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for a lumbar spine disability, status post right knee meniscus tear, and residuals of a bone chip in the right hip. Service connection was denied for bilateral hearing loss, skin disorder (poison ivy dermatitis), dental trauma, respiratory disorders, and other conditions.