Ankle decisions — 2024

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for painful surgical scars on the right ankle, finding that the evidence is approximately balanced in favor of a grant due to pain and instability.

The Veteran's appeals for tinnitus and a right ankle condition were dismissed due to untimely filing of the VA Form 10182.,The Veteran's appeal for a left ankle condition was denied as there is no current disability.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for initial compensable disability rating for hypertension and service connection for various conditions due to his death, as the AOJ has not made a formal substitution determination in the matter.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a right ankle condition due to insufficient medical evidence and the need for an examination.

The Board has remanded the claim for a VA opinion to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone render him in need of regular aid and attendance. The current rating decision does not address this issue directly.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee and ankle conditions, low back pain, sciatic radicular pain, TBI, headaches, and PB, are granted. The Veteran is currently rated at 70% for PTSD.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for left ankle degenerative arthritis with lateral collateral ligament sprain and tendonitis, finding that her current condition is related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective from April 20, 2021. The decision finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability, finding that there is no current diagnosed disability and that her symptoms do not result in functional impairment of earning capacity.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically regarding obtaining documents pertaining to the Veteran's duty status on the day of her injury and private medical records.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is service-connected, and he is granted an initial rating of 20 percent for his left ankle disability.,The Veteran's right ankle disability is also granted an initial rating of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and the need for additional records, particularly inpatient treatment records from Seymour Johnson AFB Hospital and Charleston AFB.

The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability is dismissed. The remaining issues, including increased rating for right ankle disability and service connection for left and right knee disabilities, are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate development and lack of a strong medical rationale in previous opinions. The appellant is asked to submit any additional evidence, and a new opinion from an appropriate clinician is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, left ankle disability, left foot disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability to include depression.

The Veteran's right ankle condition, including mild degenerative joint disease and instability, is granted a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's chronic headache/migraine condition, left ankle condition, right ankle condition, sinusitis, lower back condition, and CTS of the left upper extremity are all found to be related to her active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and left ankle disability due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for further examination. The issues include determining if these disabilities are related to his service-connected knee disabilities, as well as considering obesity as an intermediate step in establishing secondary service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal by the appellant.