Ankle decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded two issues: entitlement to a higher rating for left ankle tendonitis and service connection for heat stroke. Additional VA treatment records were uploaded after the issuance of the SOC but before the transfer to the Board, so a SSOC must be issued considering these records.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ankle disability, finding that it began during active duty and is related to her service.

The Board has determined that the VA examiners' opinions regarding the Veteran's ankle, knee, and hip disabilities are inadequate. Therefore, the case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

Service connection granted for left ankle pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and lower back condition. Initial ratings assigned.,Migraine headaches rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, right shoulder, right knee, left knee, right ankle, and left ankle disabilities due to incomplete service treatment records and inadequate VA examinations. Additional development is needed to obtain missing STRs and private medical records, as well as new VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for pes cavus. The claims for flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and left ankle disability are remanded as they may be related to the aggravated pes cavus.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current right foot and ankle disabilities and his service. The Veteran contends that he injured his right foot and ankle during service, but there is no definitive evidence of a stress fracture or other injury in-service.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, right shoulder, right hip, and bilateral ankle disabilities. Additionally, the Board has also granted service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and Gulf War Illness (GWI) based on new evidence received since the last decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left ankle disability. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if his current condition is related to service.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before any of the Veteran's claims can be adjudicated, including obtaining relevant treatment records and scheduling medical examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle sprain, left foot pes planus with degenerative arthritis, and right foot pes planus with degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated during active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and right ankle disorder due to insufficient development, including obtaining qualifications of the VA examiner who provided opinions in September 2023.

The appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. Service connection for tinnitus is granted, but the other claims of service connection are remanded due to lack of evidence or need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection claims related to a sleep disorder, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's reopened claim for service connection of PTSD has not met the threshold for reopening due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a left hip or right ankle disability, separate from his already service-connected disabilities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, other than irritable colon/IBS, to include GERD and a right ankle condition due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions were incurred or caused by service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disorder due to insufficient evidence showing that his current condition is related to his active military service.,The Board has also remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disorder, PTSD, OSA, sinusitis, and rhinitis. These issues are pending further examination and/or medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disabilities, including right ear hearing loss, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, neck disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability. The reasons include inadequate medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for CRPS of the left lower extremity is denied. The claims for service connection for secondary disorders, including headaches and hypertension, are also denied.