Ankle decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that there is not enough evidence to support the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle injuries.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected right lower extremity disability, finding that the condition did not meet criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claim for VA compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking his claimed disabilities to the prescribed medications during outpatient treatment in August and September 1996. His service connection claim for headaches remains unresolved.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of a left ankle condition or weak ankles, and denied service connection for this issue. The veteran was granted an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for bilateral myofascial pain syndrome associated with the muscles of mastication and a right-side displaced meniscus.

The VA has denied the claim for an increased rating for a right ankle disability, currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection for right ankle and knee conditions are not well grounded because there is no evidence of chronic or residual impairment shown on examination upon separation from service.

The Board found that the appellant's bilateral pes planus and traumatic arthritis of the right ankle do not warrant an increased evaluation, as they are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current right knee, left knee, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities to his military service. Therefore, the claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability and concluded that the veteran's claim for service connection was not well-grounded.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 10 percent for the service-connected residuals of a fracture of the right ankle, effective from April 14, 1992.

The Board denied the veteran's request to restore a 20 percent evaluation for postoperative osteomyelitis of the left ankle, stating that there was no active infection within the past five years and that the nonunion noted in January 1985 did not still exist. The combined rating for service-connected disabilities of the left ankle cannot exceed 40 percent due to the already existing evaluation for residuals of a fracture of the left ankle.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was found to be incurred in service, and he is now entitled to a non-compensable evaluation for his status post right ankle reconstruction with RSD.

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.