Ankle decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The veteran was granted service connection for certain conditions but not all, and the RO assigned appropriate disability ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a left ankle sprain, including arthritis in the left ankle, and inferred service connection for asteatotic eczema of the lower legs based on evidence from service records. The appellant is entitled to a minimum compensable rating for these conditions.

The Board denied an increased rating for the appellant's service-connected left ankle fracture, finding that her current disability does not warrant a higher than 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence of a nexus between the veteran's claimed conditions and his period of service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The veteran's left foot and ankle disability is related to VA surgery, leading to compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151. The painful scar in the right groin area warrants a 10 percent evaluation. Paresthesias of the ilioinguinal nerve are not compensable.

The Board has not decided the issues of service connection for left elbow and right ankle injuries, but has granted a separate evaluation for tinnitus. The claim for increased rating for PTSD remains before the Board.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease, but denied increased ratings for his right knee and right ankle disabilities.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's right ankle fracture, finding that her disability manifested by no more than moderate limitation of motion. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability remains pending.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an original rating in excess of 10 percent for his residuals of a right ankle fracture, finding that his disability only manifested moderate limitation of motion and no functional limitation due to pain.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition and a compensable rating for left ankle fracture, finding that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left ankle fracture is denied as her claim was not well-grounded.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left ankle sprain/avulsion fracture, finding that the disability does not warrant a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5271.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected PTSD warrants a 30 percent disability rating, which is appropriate given his symptoms and current level of functioning. The other claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than March 22, 1996 for the grant of service connection for synovitis of the left ankle with a history of chronic eversion injuries and acute sprain is not warranted.

The veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The issues of arthritis of the knees, bilateral ankle condition (claimed as arthritis), bilateral hip condition, and hearing loss, right ear are dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board denied service connection for a left ankle injury and an increased rating for cornea scar of the left eye. The veteran's claim for pension eligibility was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle disability, which includes fusion and traumatic arthritis, warrants a maximum schedular evaluation of 40 percent. No higher rating is available under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis of the hands and ankles is not well grounded, as there is no evidence of current disability or in-service injury related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the relationship between the appellant's service-connected rheumatic fever and his current arthritis.

The veteran has withdrawn their appeal, citing no specific issues or conditions for further consideration.