The veteran's service-connected amebiasis is manifested by subjective reports of diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal cramping but not by objective findings. A noncompensable evaluation is warranted.,Prior to August 13, 1996, the veteran's service-connected residuals of a stress fracture of the left os calcis were manifested by foot pain and x-ray evidence of small calcaneal spur. A 20 percent evaluation is warranted.,The veteran's service-connected residuals of a stress fracture of the left os calcis are currently manifested by foot pain, but no other pertinent abnormal clinical findings or x-ray evidence of acute fracture, dislocation, or bone destruction. An increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent is not warranted.

The deciding factor: The veteran's amebiasis has not resulted in the symptomatology required for a compensable evaluation at any time since the effective date of service connection.,The current symptomatology associated with the veteran's service-connected residuals of stress fracture of the left os calcis is best encapsulated by a 20 percent disabling evaluation. The foot pain he experiences was objectively demonstrated in multiple VA treatment records and on VA examination, which impacts his ability to walk long distances and climb stairs.,There is no objective x-ray evidence of any acute fracture, dislocation, or bone destruction shown on VA examination either in August 2002 or January 2005. The veteran's functional ability was not significantly impacted by the residuals of stress fracture of the left os calcis.

Claimed conditions

amebiasis, residuals of a stress fracture of the left os calcis

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

March 15, 2006

Citation

0607506