Ankle decisions — 2011

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum under Diagnostic Code 5271 for limited motion of the ankle. The Board found no evidence to support a higher rating based on functional loss or ankylosis. Service connection was granted for sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hearing loss and right ankle disability, finding that the evidence did not warrant such ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a left ankle disability, enlarged testicles, and an enlarged prostate. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a left fibula fracture and ankle dislocation are productive of marked limitation of ankle motion, warranting a 20 percent disability rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back strain, right ankle strain, scar of the left index finger, and recurrent idiopathic polycyclic urticaria.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right ankle disability and remanded the underlying claims for further development. The Veteran is currently assessed as having collapsing pes valgoplanus deformity with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, claimed as disability of the ankles, attributable to his service-connected disabilities of the feet. A VA examination is necessary to decide these claims.

The Veteran's right ankle disability was not incurred in or related to his service. The skin disorder and respiratory disorder claims are pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for a right ankle disorder due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a right foot injury with triple arthrodesis and ankle fusion have been rated at the maximum schedular rating (40 percent) available for this disability. The Board finds that no higher rating is warranted as his symptoms do not more closely approximate those required for any other specific rating criteria.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss in his left ear is likely due to military service, and granted service connection for this condition. For his left ankle disability, the Board determined there was no evidence of a compensable degree of arthritis within one year post-service, and thus denied service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected right knee and ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal of the claims for service connection for a left eye stye and right ankle strain has been withdrawn. The remaining service connection claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings were denied, with the exception of a temporary total disability rating granted in August 2008. The remaining claims are still pending and have been remanded to the RO.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral foot disorder and ankle disorders, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including scars and arthralgia of the right leg, were evaluated. The claim for a higher rating was granted with a disability rating of 10 percent.