Ankle decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a right ankle disorder with heel pain as her claim was not well grounded.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well grounded, meaning there was insufficient evidence to support them.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted for either claim, but as both issues are related to direct service connection, the decision is mixed - some aspects may be granted while others remain denied.

The Board found that the veteran's current left ankle complaints are not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for residuals of left ankle sprains is granted, as all reasonable doubt is resolved in favor of the veteran.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of frostbite of the feet and residuals of tenosynovitis of the right ankle/Achilles tendon. The claim for residuals of frostbite of the feet was well grounded, while the claim for residuals of tenosynovitis of the right ankle/Achilles tendon was not well grounded.

The Board found no evidence of chronic left knee or ankle disabilities prior to service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for asbestosis and right ankle disability are not well-grounded. The evidence does not establish a current diagnosis of these conditions, nor is there sufficient medical evidence to link them to his military service or any other relevant factor.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and issues related to secondary service connection for right knee and heel disabilities. The veteran's claims are being reviewed with a focus on obtaining necessary medical records, conducting examinations, and adjudicating the secondary service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are well-grounded and have granted service connection for bilateral stress fractures of the ankles, with a specific focus on the right medial tibial plateau. The knee disability, numbness of the toes, and tendonitis of the left foot (claimed as fallen arches) were not found to be related to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's posterior tibial nerve palsy with right ankle fusion is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the highest level of disability for ankylosis of the ankle. The appeal is denied as there is no evidence to support a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected right ankle fracture residuals and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis were denied as the veteran failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left ankle fracture with traumatic arthritis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the veteran's right tibia and fibula disability, but denied service connection for low back disability and hearing loss.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for consideration of whether the veteran's service-connected right ankle disability caused or aggravated her left ankle disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as they are not well-grounded based on the lack of evidence showing a nexus to service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD, but denied his claims for bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, bilateral frozen feet, a left leg disability, and a right ankle disability. The effective date remains to be determined.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle disabilities are denied as there is no competent medical evidence indicating current disability or a relationship to active service.

The Board found that the veteran's residuals of a left ankle injury do not warrant an increased rating greater than 30 percent, and her bilateral hearing loss is currently evaluated at 30 percent. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's right ankle fracture with osteoarthritis prior to January 30, 1996 and denied any increase in rating. The low back disorder is rated at 10 percent.