Ankle Board decisions

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for the veteran's service-connected left ankle disability, which is currently evaluated at 40 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased rating of bilateral pes planus and service connection for back disorder and bilateral thigh disorder were denied. The decision is based on the current evidence not meeting the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for a right ankle condition and an increased rating for service-connected pes planus. The veteran's claims will be reviewed on their merits, with all relevant medical records obtained.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frozen feet and a right ankle disorder, as new and material evidence was submitted.,The veteran is entitled to an increased evaluation for his left ankle disorder.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for right medial hamstring tendinitis/bursitis, status post arthroscopy is denied as her disability does not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.,The veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than September 6, 1996, for the grant of compensable ratings for right medial hamstring tendinitis/bursitis, status post arthroscopy and lateral ligamentous reconstruction of the right ankle are denied as there is no evidence of a claim prior to that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance and specially adaptive equipment, as well as financial assistance in purchasing special adaptive housing. The appeals were dismissed due to the Court's remand order.

The veteran's cystic acne and right ankle sprains have been granted increased evaluations, while service connection for a right shoulder contusion secondary to recurrent right ankle sprains has also been established.

The veteran's left knee and right ankle disabilities are rated at their maximum allowable levels, with the left knee receiving a higher rating due to its more severe symptoms.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right ankle sprain warranted a 10 percent disability rating, as it met criteria for moderate limitation of motion. The veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher 20 percent rating due to marked limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing service medical records and a VA examination to determine the current severity of the veteran's service-connected residuals of a fractured right ankle.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left ankle disorder is causally related to service, and thus granted his claim for service connection.

The veteran's initial disability ratings for his service-connected left ankle and middle finger injuries have been granted. The left ankle injury is rated at 10%, while the left middle finger injury remains noncompensable.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, left ankle disability, and bilateral pes planus. The conditions were found to be not incurred or aggravated by service.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected left ankle fracture, but the case has been remanded due to incomplete medical examination and development.

The Board has granted service connection for recurrent right ankle sprain and left knee degenerative joint disease, both rated at 10 percent disabling from February 2, 1998.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, right knee disability, and right ankle disability do not warrant higher ratings as they are currently evaluated.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his left ankle arthritis and right knee injury, finding that the current 20 percent and 10 percent ratings are appropriate based on the findings from a 1998 examination.

The veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to multiple physical disabilities, including degenerative intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine, traumatic arthritis of the right ankle joint, reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the right leg and foot, mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including the assignment of separate disability ratings and service connection for secondary disabilities.