Ankle decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a left ankle disorder was dismissed because he did not file a timely appeal. The claim for service connection for a left hip disorder is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's representative filed a motion to withdraw the appeal for multiple service connection claims, including asthma, flat feet, impingement syndrome in left ankle (claimed as ankle pain), left injured knee and chronic pain, migraines, right ankle pain, and right injured knee and chronic pain. The Board dismissed these appeals due to the withdrawal.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee and hip disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented her from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation since March 14, 2019. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted for all service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination addressing the relationship between the Veteran's left ankle condition and service. The Veteran asserts that his current left ankle disability is related to an in-service right ankle injury.

The Board has granted an extension of a temporary total evaluation from December 1, 2017 to February 14, 2018 for service-connected right ankle surgery requiring convalescence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral plantar fasciitis and knee conditions, have caused her to be unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since July 19, 2018.

The Board has remanded four issues related to secondary service connection for back, left knee, bilateral ankle, and bilateral foot disabilities due to the service-connected right knee disability. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for additional examinations. The claims are related as they involve similar exposure and symptoms.

Service connection for PTSD is granted. Increased ratings are granted for IVDS with degenerative arthritis and vertebral fracture with bilateral thoracic radiculopathy of the ventral and dorsal ramus nerves, right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and left ankle pilon fracture residuals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to new evidence of worsening symptoms since his last VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and unclear dates of service at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's prostate cancer, COPD, multiple myeloma, Parkinson's disease, and right ankle condition are all being reviewed for potential secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating issues due to insufficient medical records. The case is also remanded for an addendum opinion on PTSD, a headache disability evaluation, and VA examinations for lumbosacral strain, DDD, Schamberg's disease, and hypertension.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical examination and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's right ankle disability is being reviewed for service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot and right ankle disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after separation from service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not provide sufficient medical evidence to establish continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's request for higher ratings for her left great toe, left ankle, right and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy disabilities prior to April 20, 2022 is denied. The Board has requested additional VA medical opinions regarding the severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for TDIU as inextricably intertwined with his additional increased rating claims. The RO must readjudicate these issues and issue a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right foot pain, migraine headaches, bilateral ankle sprain, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The decision is based on the need for updated VA treatment records and examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left ankle sprain is being remanded due to the need for additional development and an updated VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability and tinnitus are related to in-service noise exposure. His back disability is linked to his active service, as evidenced by a history of injuries sustained during service.,The Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities were aggravated by his service-connected right total knee replacement and/or back disability.