Ankle Board decisions

The Board has determined that there is no well-grounded claim for service connection of any of the claimed conditions. The veteran's claims were denied as his evidence did not establish a nexus between his current disabilities and service.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the service-connected residuals of a bimalleolar fracture of the left ankle with internal fixation, finding that these symptoms more nearly approximate unfavorable ankylosis in extreme plantar flexion. The claim for service connection for a back disorder as secondary to the service-connected left ankle disability is also granted.

The veteran's bilateral pes cavus and callus formation of the ball of his left foot are rated at 30 percent, while he is granted a higher rating for degenerative changes in both ankles. The original claim was docketed in September 1997.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include impingement syndrome and calcific tendonitis of the right shoulder, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of the right ankle, and traumatic arthritis of the left index and ring fingers, effectively preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. As such, he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board granted service connection for a low back disorder secondary to the appellant's service-connected left ankle disability, but denied an increased rating for his left ankle condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and reviewing outstanding medical records. The veteran's claims of increased evaluations for his left ankle fracture and lumbar strain are well-grounded, but the RO must ensure all relevant evidence is considered before making a decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left ankle disability warrants a 20 percent rating, reflecting moderate limitation of motion.

The veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, but the Board finds no basis for an increased rating.,Prior to May 4, 1995, the veteran was not entitled to a compensable evaluation for his left shoulder disability. The current evaluation of 10 percent is appropriate.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a perforated left eardrum is not well grounded.,For his bilateral hearing loss, the evaluation remains at zero percent as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, residuals of a gunshot wound to the left forearm, and bilateral hearing loss. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left forearm.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left ankle and assigned May 14, 1997 as its effective date. The veteran's right great toe amputation with limitation of motion of the right ankle was already rated at maximum disability levels.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury and an increased rating for right shoulder impingement. The non-specific dermatitis of the hands remains at a 10% disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, left ankle disorder, cervical spine disorder, and deviated nasal septum are not well grounded.,Service connection was granted for a deviated nasal septum as it is considered new and material evidence.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and right knee disabilities are well grounded. The RO granted service connection for these conditions, but denied the requests for increased evaluations.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence of current bilateral leg disorder, right Achilles tendinitis, or left ankle disorder related to the appellant's period of active duty. As such, the claims for service connection were denied.

The veteran's service-connected left ankle fracture residuals are not shown to be manifested by more than moderate limitation of motion with excess fatigability, and no related bony deformity or degenerative changes. Therefore, the initial 10 percent rating assigned following grant of service connection is maintained.

The veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected right ankle sprain residuals, including degenerative arthritis, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of functional limitations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a herniated disc at L5-S1, status post diskectomy and increased evaluations for cervical spine degenerative changes with radiculitis and right shoulder bursitis. The evidence does not support a finding of a nexus between these conditions and the veteran's military service or service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's increased hearing loss rating was granted with an effective date of May 5, 1993. His claims for service connection for left ankle and hip conditions were not supported by the evidence presented. Service connection for his back condition was established.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right below-the-knee amputation, finding that there was no evidence linking it to his service-connected keratosis, palmoplantaris nummularis with dystrophic skin changes and ulcerations of the bilateral ankles.