Ankle decisions — 2023

The Board has dismissed the appeals as to all service connection claims due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of sinusitis first manifested during active service and continues to this day. The other issues related to hearing loss and ankle disability were denied.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of fracture, left ankle is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The claims for initial ratings for right ankle strain, left ankle tendonitis, and lumbosacral strain (IVDS) are granted with specific disability ratings. The claim for a compensable rating for the service-connected left ankle scar is denied. The claims for initial ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the femoral nerves remain pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed thoracolumbar disability and bilateral ankle disability. The appellant is requested to provide any available records related to the Veteran's 2012 low back injury, and an addendum medical opinion is needed to address the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his hypertension, bilateral ankle disorders, breathing problems, sleep condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and acquired psychiatric conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The issues of rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a compression fracture, L2 and left ankle sprain have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various ankle, hip, and knee disabilities due to inadequate opinions regarding preexistence and aggravation during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left ankle sprain, right and left knee disabilities, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, and hypertension. The Veteran is required to provide VA with his private treatment records for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and left ankle disability. The Veteran's symptoms have been present since separation from service.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle and right knee disabilities. The issues regarding higher ratings for the right ankle and right knee sprain are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with secondary major depressive disorder was granted a TDIU effective April 11, 2017. The appeal for the TDIU prior to that date is dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder, chronic lumbar sprain, and residuals of a left ankle fracture have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to the combined impact of these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for headaches, a right ankle condition, vertigo (claimed as dizziness), a right hip condition, and right ear hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right hand and right ankle conditions due to inadequate opinions in the VA examination reports. The Veteran is requested to provide information about his treatment providers, and a new VA examination is required.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various knee and ankle conditions, as well as a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction due to new evidence being submitted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are granted as service connected. The remaining issues of service connection for back, left shoulder, right ankle, and left foot/toe disabilities are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, finding that they are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.,A rating in excess of 40 percent for service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is denied.