Ankle decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of parvovirus B19 infection and Eustachian tube dysfunction are granted. The Board finds that the conditions were incurred in active service.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's non-displaced healed fracture of the right ankle, effective from December 19, 2016. The previous rating was 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The left eye laceration claim was not granted due to lack of disfigurement characteristics, while the right ankle issue did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide an addendum opinion regarding his claims for service connection for sleep apnea, increased ratings for various disabilities, and other issues on appeal. The AOJ will also attempt to obtain any outstanding treatment records from the Darnall Army Medical Center.

The Veteran withdrew his petitions to reopen the left ankle disability and right knee disability claims, thus the cases are dismissed.

The Board found no evidence of a current chronic right or left ankle disability, and denied service connection for residuals of hernia. The Veteran's eye conditions are not considered disabilities for VA purposes.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination, as the previous examinations are inadequate.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer was rated at 10 percent prior to March 9, 2015 and increased to 20 percent effective from that date. The right knee disability was rated at 10 percent and the right ankle disability was rated at 10 percent prior to March 24, 2011, with both disabilities receiving a 20 percent rating effective from that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability, left ankle disability, and hypertension were denied. The claim for increased rating for hypertension was also denied.