Ankle Board decisions

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected status post left ankle surgery for talocalcaneal fusion, finding that this level of disability warrants an increased evaluation.

The Board has granted increased evaluations for the veteran's right knee instability and arthritis, as well as his left ankle degenerative joint disease. The current ratings are 10 percent for each condition.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination, as well as compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected left leg and foot disabilities, finding that the current ratings adequately reflected the severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic left ankle sprains and chronic cervical strain with headaches are denied as there is no evidence to support a higher rating based on current symptoms.

The Board has dismissed the matter of direct-payment fee eligibility as referred to the Board by the RO, due to lack of original jurisdiction.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability, to include as secondary to her service-connected right ankle disability. There is no medical evidence showing a nexus or link between any current left ankle disability and an injury incurred on active duty or to her service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disorder, finding that it is not well-grounded and requiring further development to determine if there is any relationship between the current left ankle disorder and either an in-service injury or his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his right ankle disability and service connection for a herniated disc, finding that there was insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's request to restore a 30 percent evaluation for his service-connected right ankle disorder and also denied his claim for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome are all service-connected. The evidence supports these findings based on his combat experience during World War II.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for both the veteran's motor vehicle accident and left ear hearing loss claims, including obtaining an accident report from Honolulu police department and records related to the in-service line of duty determination. The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a motor vehicle accident will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board is unable to determine whether the veteran's claimed conditions are related to his military service, as there is insufficient evidence in the record. The case must be remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the current rating of 20% adequately reflects his right ankle disability. The left knee disorder was found to be secondary to the right ankle disorder, but not service-connected. Hearing loss and tinnitus were also not service-connected.

The Board granted a higher initial disability rating of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected left ankle disability, effective November 1, 1994. The issue of service connection for left knee disability was not addressed as it is not currently present.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, but the effective date remains December 20, 1997.

The Board found that the veteran's right ankle disability and bilateral pes cavus were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The ingrown toenail was determined to be a preexisting condition that did not worsen during service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right leg and ankle disability. The case will be further adjudicated based on this new evidence.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hyperkeratosis of the feet, right ankle sprain, right ear hearing loss, and right heel calcaneal spur were denied as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's left ankle disability, which was granted service connection for in September 1996 and rated at 10 percent, has been evaluated based on the current symptoms of mild swelling and limited range of motion. The current evaluation is considered appropriate given these findings.