Ankle decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's left foot/ankle disability resulted from VA medical treatment and is granting benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle disorder existed prior to his entering service and therefore, the presumption of soundness does not apply. The evidence clearly shows that the pre-existing condition was not aggravated by service. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The VA determined that the veteran's residuals of a left ankle fracture are currently manifested by no more than marked functional impairment, warranting a 20 percent evaluation.

The veteran's appeals for higher evaluations and service connection have been withdrawn. The claims for left ankle, right wrist, and allergic rhinitis/sinusitis disabilities are well-grounded.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic low back disorder, chronic sinusitis, chronic left ankle disorder, fungus condition of the left foot, degenerative joint disease (arthritis) of the wrists, fingers of both hands, and elbows. The RO determined that these claims were not well grounded as they were not shown in service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of residuals of right ankle sprain and hemorrhoids and hypertrophic anal papilla were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for residuals of a bilateral ankle injury and hepatitis, as well as the claim for an increased rating for right 5th metacarpal fracture. The claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are not well grounded. The evidence does not meet the threshold requirement of establishing a plausible claim.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected right ankle disability and found that an increased rating is warranted. The other residuals of right tibia and fibula fractures with scarring and shortening are currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, skin rash, vision loss, right ankle disability, and right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are well-grounded and have been granted. The veteran is found to have current disabilities including bilateral defective hearing, tinnitus, low back pain, and dermatitis, all of which were incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are not well grounded and thus denied.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals regarding secondary service connection for left knee, hip, and ankle disorders as well as an increased rating for his right knee disability due to lack of timely appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot condition and cerebellar degeneration with polyneuropathy are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of direct or secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for ankle and neck conditions, as well as kidney, lung, hypertension, heart, and stomach conditions are not well-grounded. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for a left ankle disorder and a left shoulder disorder, but denied the remaining claims due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's appeal for service connection and increased ratings was denied. Service connection for residuals of bilateral ankle injuries, left ear hearing loss, and right ear hearing loss were not granted. Service connection for allergic rhinitis and teeth 4, 18, 19, 30, and 31 was granted with the assigned ratings.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral ankle disorder was not well-grounded and denied it.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for left knee disability and found it well grounded. The claims for service connection for left foot and ankle disabilities are also considered well grounded.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, left ankle disorder, and eye disorder. The decision found that there was no evidence of an undiagnosed illness or other basis for service connection.