Ankle decisions — 2000

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left ankle disability and found that there is new and material evidence. However, it did not address the issue of an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his right ankle injury.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for postoperative tendon repair with left ankle synovitis, currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling, was denied. The RO found that the disability did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's left ankle disability, without ankylosis, is not more than 20 percent disabling under schedular criteria. The case was then referred to the VA Central Office for consideration of an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a right thumb laceration and a residual right ankle scar are related to his military service. The claim for thrombophlebitis of the right ankle is not well-grounded.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination of the effect of his alcohol and drug abuse on his employability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle disability was incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected right ankle and left elbow disabilities, as well as claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for hepatitis C, renal failure, and nerve damage to the right arm.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his right ankle fracture and also denied service connection for tumors of the chest and abdomen, including as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides.

The veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The veteran's right ankle disorder results in pain and limitation of motion, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tinnitus is service-connected due to in-service noise exposure. The remaining claims for service connection are not well-grounded as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link between any claimed conditions and service.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a right ankle fracture was denied due to the failure to report for a VA orthopedic examination, which is required by regulation and court precedent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle sprain and residuals of pneumonia are not well grounded. The RO is directed to readjudicate these issues, along with the final three issues listed on the title page.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating greater than 10 percent for residuals of a fracture of the left tibia and fibula, finding that his disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a right ankle disorder are not well grounded. The evidence does not establish a causal link between these conditions and his military service.

The VA denied increased evaluations for the veteran's left knee injury and right ankle sprain, finding that current symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on the criteria provided.

The Board has granted an increased rating for the veteran's disability of the left wrist, effective from October 31, 1995. The veteran's other claims have been addressed and are either denied or affirmed.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, residuals of a left wrist strain, bursitis of the right knee, and residuals of a right ankle sprain as his claims are not well grounded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Persian Gulf Syndrome, residuals of inoculations, a right ankle condition, vision problems, and a skin condition due to lack of legal merit or entitlement under the law.

The Board granted the veteran's claims for service connection and assigned initial evaluations of 10 percent for patellofemoral syndrome in both knees, left ankle sprain, and right ankle sprain. The effective date is not specified.