Ankle decisions — 2023

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a skin disability, specifically pin-point rash of the ankles. The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted sufficient to reopen the claim, and also determined that the Veteran's current condition is related to his herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, right ankle, eye, and respiratory conditions due to insufficient medical opinions.,Flu residuals are also being remanded as there is uncertainty about whether they are separate from service-connected TBI residuals.

The Veteran's low back disability, left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, PTSD, and hernia are granted. The Veteran is also granted higher ratings for PTSD and hernia from specific dates. Other conditions are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for cervical spine disability, left ankle disability (to include as secondary to service-connected disabilities), sinusitis, and chronic fatigue syndrome due to insufficient compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development and procedural errors, including failure to obtain service department records and private treatment records from Dr. H.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing service personnel records (SPRs). The claims will be reconsidered after obtaining the SPRs and additional medical opinions are provided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and that his current condition is not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding his foot/ankle conditions and sleep disorders. The issues are back before the Board after a full examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral feet disorders and ankle strains are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The examiner is asked to provide a response regarding the nature and etiology of her disabilities, including whether they are related to in-service activities.

Service connection for asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is granted. Service connection for a bilateral heel/ankle disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension (HTN) are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay reports and medical records in determining whether his right ankle disorder is related to service. The case will be reviewed with an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for a right shoulder disability, left foot Morton's neuroma, traumatic arthritis of the left ankle, arthralgia of the left knee, post-concussive syndrome, depressive disorder with post-concussive syndrome (previously rated as personality change due to another medical condition), migraine headaches, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability. The AOJ is directed to obtain all VA treatment records scanned into VistA Imaging or other repository.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sinus condition was dismissed as the grant of service connection in August 2022 resulted in a full grant of benefits sought on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also dismissed as the RO granted service connection effective December 17, 2016.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle disability, PTSD, depression, and head injury due to a lack of medical evidence addressing the onset and continuity of symptoms related to these conditions during active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to hazardous substances during his Persian Gulf War service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. The claims include CLL, a left ankle condition, and a right knee condition. Remand is necessary to obtain medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection were denied.,No new or material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims of bilateral hearing loss, low back disability, and gastrointestinal condition.

The Veteran's GERD, ED, bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spurs, toe deformities, and right ankle sprain are all granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's OSA was granted a rating of 50% from July 23, 2018. The Veteran's GERD and right/left ankle disabilities were granted service connection with the right ankle disability being granted as reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. Service connection for left ankle disability and exertional compartment syndrome were also granted. No new rating was assigned for allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to bilateral hearing loss, respiratory conditions (including sleep apnea), right ankle condition, left hand condition, and right hand condition require further development due to inadequate or incomplete examinations.