Ankle decisions — 2009

The Board denied an increased disability rating for the veteran's residual scar of the left ankle, post left Achilles tendon repair, as a 10 percent evaluation was found to be appropriate.

The veteran's service-connected right and left ankle disabilities are not manifested by ankylosis or nonunion of the tibia or fibula, and therefore, higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes are not warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating higher than 30 percent for post-operative right ankle fusion as there was no evidence of nonunion with loose motion requiring a brace, or ankylosis in the required ranges.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip disorder, a bilateral knee disorder and a right ankle disorder as there was no evidence of current disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection, reopening of a claim for residuals of a concussion, and increased ratings for right ankle and left knee disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, alone, have rendered him unable to pursue or maintain gainful employment.

The veteran's service-connected left ankle degenerative joint disease (claimed as residuals of left ankle fracture) was rated at 10 percent disabling effective July 25, 2008.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, light sensitivity of the eyes, residuals of a neck injury, bilateral wrist disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral foot disability and scars on both shins were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and increased ratings for duodenal ulcer with hiatal hernia, tendonitis of the hands/wrists, residuals of an injury to the right foot/ankle, and hemorrhoids were denied.