Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's left ankle and knee disabilities have been rated based on their respective diagnostic codes, with the left ankle receiving a 10% rating and the left knee receiving a 20% rating. The Board finds that these ratings are appropriate given the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left ankle disability was granted. However, his claims for increased ratings for right ankle sprain were denied both prior to and after October 12, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee degenerative changes and bilateral ankle pain with impingement, some cortical thickening of the left ankle and slight prominence involving anterolateral aspect of each ankle, both conditions claimed as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected pes planus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his right ankle degenerative joint disease or right great toe fracture.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 14, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and multiple joint pain. The Veteran's current sinus disorder was not found to be related to his active service or due to exposure to toxins including CARC paint.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a video conference hearing. The initial evaluations for PTSD and left ankle arthritis of the subtalar joint remain under review.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for left and right trapezius strain, as well as the matters of service connection for a right ankle disability and sleep apnea (claimed as due to PTSD). The other claims are being considered.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a video conference hearing and his disagreement with the denial of service connection for a left elbow disability. The case will be returned to the Board after these issues are addressed.

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.