Ankle decisions — 2014

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated based on limitation of motion and instability, with no higher ratings available under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 50 percent since December 20, 2011.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left ankle condition is service-connected due to in-service injury, but his right ear hearing loss disability does not meet VA compensation criteria for a current disability.

The Veteran's service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of in-service onset and nexus to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral toe and ankle disabilities, finding that new and material evidence was not received to reopen her previously denied claim of flat feet. The Board also found no direct service connection for the current diagnoses of bilateral toe and ankle conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected chronic low back strain and bilateral tinnitus, as well as her claim to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for hearing loss. The decision also addressed issues of service connection for various other conditions.

The Board denied service connection for back problems, bilateral foot problems (claimed as no arches), diabetes mellitus, fractured ankle, sleep apnea, and stomach problem.,None of the Veteran's claimed conditions are shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left ankle disability was denied as the evidence did not show marked limitation of motion or ankylosis, and he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any other diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his ring finger disability was also denied because there is no amputation and no functional equivalent to amputation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left ankle disorder and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral knee disorder, left ankle disorder, or right ankle disorder that is causally related to his military service. The VA examination and opinion obtained in November 2006 concluded that there was no clear evidence of knee disability on examination and nothing in the record to show a significant problem in service.

The Veteran's initial rating for left ankle strain is granted at 10%, but the appeal for a higher rating or separate ratings for instability and lateral meniscus tear of the right knee is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there is no current left ankle disability and the right little finger disability was not incurred in service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected right and left ankle disabilities do not warrant initial compensable ratings as they are productive of at most mild limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was granted with an effective date of February 25, 2004. The combined disability rating at that time included multiple service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle/foot disabilities, both claimed as secondary to service-connected disability, were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back spasms, right ankle disorder, and right heel disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience.,The Veteran is entitled to an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches.,Service connection has been granted for chronic fatigue syndrome as secondary to service-connected sarcoidosis. The Veteran's skin disorder is also service connected as secondary to service-connected sarcoidosis. Service connection has not been established for a respiratory disorder or sleep disturbance.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his service, with the Board granting service connection for these conditions. Other claims of service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran withdrew the issues of entitlement to service connection for left hip disability, right ankle disability and left ankle disability prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a right shoulder disability is granted, and his claim for a compensable rating for residuals of a right ankle fracture is also granted.