Ankle Board decisions

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the veteran's service and obtain medical records, as well as SSA records. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Board found that there is no evidence of an injury or aggravation of a pre-existing condition during service, and the current right lower extremity disability does not have a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection of left foot, left ankle, and right ankle disorders are not well-grounded as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted with an effective date of February 18, 1988. The right lower extremity amputation and associated disabilities are also granted with an effective date of November 24, 1988.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities for which service connection can be granted, including left and right ankle sprains and lumbosacral strain. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board found that the veteran's left ankle disorder did not have its onset in service and denied his claim for service connection. The Board also found that there was a plausible link between the veteran's current Reiter's syndrome and venereal disease he had during service, but concluded that this disability is more likely due to Agent Orange exposure rather than the venereal disease. As such, the Board denied both issues.

The Board has determined that new evidence does not establish service connection for the veteran's back and right ankle disabilities, but finds that her current symptoms are related to service. The claims remain inapplicable as they were previously denied.

The Board has granted a 10% disability rating for the veteran's service-connected right ankle injury, finding that it meets the criteria for moderate limitation of motion.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left ankle disability and found that there is new and material evidence. However, it did not address the issue of an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his right ankle injury.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for postoperative tendon repair with left ankle synovitis, currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling, was denied. The RO found that the disability did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's left ankle disability, without ankylosis, is not more than 20 percent disabling under schedular criteria. The case was then referred to the VA Central Office for consideration of an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a right thumb laceration and a residual right ankle scar are related to his military service. The claim for thrombophlebitis of the right ankle is not well-grounded.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination of the effect of his alcohol and drug abuse on his employability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle disability was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected right ankle and left elbow disabilities, as well as claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C, renal failure, and nerve damage to the right arm.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his right ankle fracture and also denied service connection for tumors of the chest and abdomen, including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides.

The veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The veteran's right ankle disorder results in pain and limitation of motion, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is service-connected due to in-service noise exposure. The remaining claims for service connection are not well-grounded as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link between any claimed conditions and service.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a right ankle fracture was denied due to the failure to report for a VA orthopedic examination, which is required by regulation and court precedent.