Ankle decisions — 2011

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hearing loss for VA compensation purposes and his tinnitus is not related to service. The claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, plantar fasciitis, left ankle condition, left wrist condition, morphea scleroderma, sinus condition, and eye condition are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for post fracture capsulitis of the left ankle was denied as his left ankle disorder most nearly approximated limitation of motion that is no more than moderate, without evidence of ankylosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, are not of such severity as to preclude him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected right ankle/foot disability, currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The case is being remanded to determine if the current rating adequately reflects the severity of the disability and whether separate ratings are warranted for any neurological component.

The Veteran's claim for various service connection issues was remanded, and the RO is now denying his claims for increased ratings. The evidence does not support a compensable rating for any of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and ankle sprain residuals have been denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the request of his authorized representative.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to active service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claims of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, right ankle disability, and left knee disability are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's neck and ankle disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service, and the medical evidence does not support a connection to service.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, rated as 10 percent disabling prior to January 1, 2005 and as 30 percent thereafter, has been granted an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic right ankle disability associated with his in-service sprain, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his right ankle disorder, which was previously rated at 20 percent since November 14, 2005, is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a right ankle fracture and for an effective date earlier than March 21, 2007, for the award of service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture. The claim for an effective date earlier than March 21, 2007, is without legal merit.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle posttraumatic arthritis, with tendinitis of the ossicle medial malleolus, and a healed calcaneous stress fracture, is attributable to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain additional medical records and conduct a supplemental examination. The appellant's claim for service connection for his right ankle disability, including as residuals of a right fibula fracture, will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, and his right ankle disability is rated at 20 percent disabling. The combined rating is 80 percent. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his service-connected back condition and thus cannot be granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and left ankle fracture with pes planus were denied as there was no evidence of ankylosis, malunion, or other severe impairment that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee and ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.