Ankle decisions — 2000

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected cervical and lumbosacral spine conditions, left ankle fracture residuals, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the residuals of a right ankle fracture, finding that this level of disability warrants an increased rating. The claim for service connection for a left ankle disability as secondary to the veteran's service-connected right ankle disability is also granted.

The Board denied a rating in excess of the combined 40 percent for left lower extremity disorders, finding that the current ratings were appropriate and no extraschedular evaluation was warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pes planus and right ankle injury do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a left ankle fracture, finding that the evidence does not support a compensable disability evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a chronic digestive system disorder, neck injuries, lumbar disc disease, and chronic right and left ankle disorders due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right ankle disability, currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently diagnosed gastrocnemius-soleus ankle equinus developed during his active service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's request for a three-wheel scooter as it is not considered necessary part of his outpatient care or treatment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation ratings, finding no medical evidence linking his current conditions to service or any other well-grounded basis. The veteran was granted a 20 percent evaluation for residuals of multiple right ankle sprains and left ankle sprain.

The Board denied increased evaluations for varicose veins in both legs, but granted service connection for the residuals of a right ankle injury. The veteran's right ankle injury was linked to his active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and Major Depression, as well as his claim for Generalized Joint Pain due to an undiagnosed illness during service in SWATO, is well grounded. The evidence supports a finding of a nexus between these conditions and the veteran's service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various lower extremity and back disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between her current conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for residuals of an occipital laceration is not well grounded and therefore denied. The other claims on appeal are addressed in the remand at the end of this action.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle disability, small airway disease as secondary to asbestos exposure, and right flank muscle spasm (back disability). The decision found that there was no current disability for the left ankle claim and insufficient evidence linking the small airway disease to service. The back disability claim is pending due to incomplete records.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have an employment handicap due to his service-connected disabilities and is successfully maintaining employment as a site manager. Therefore, he does not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation under Chapter 31.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development and adjudication on the merits due to conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of pain in the back, hips, knees, and ankles. The veteran's claims are related to service-connected varicose veins.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disease and increased ratings for chronic ligament strain of the left ankle and bilateral defective hearing. The claim for lumbosacral strain is granted with a 20% rating.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current left ankle and back disorders to service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The veteran's appeal was denied as he did not obtain prior VA authorization for the home improvements and structural alterations, which were completed without such authorization.