Ankle decisions — 2024

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain VA examinations for the remaining issues.,Service connection for right shoulder joint pain, right hand chronic pain (claimed as arthritis and psoriatic arthritis), right knee chronic pain (claimed as arthritis and psoriatic arthritis), and right ankle chronic pain (claimed as arthritis and psoriatic arthritis) are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for left ankle disability, neck/upper back condition, and gout in left foot. The case is remanded to obtain a medical nexus opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's gout.

The Board has granted entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which leave him in need of regular assistance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left leg disability, specifically residuals of a fracture to the proximal fibula with traumatic arthritis and degenerative conditions in the ankle and knee, should be remanded for further development due to inadequate VA examinations. The appeal is not about service connection but rather about the appropriate rating.

The Veteran's right ankle strain is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical opinions to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for a right ankle disability, as it is unclear whether the RO reduced the appellant's right ankle disability rating or proposed such reduction. The matter will be further examined and evaluated.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to assess the severity of her knee disabilities, determine the nature and etiology of her psychiatric disorder, and address any aggravation by her service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Crohn's Disease, and Residuals of Left Ankle Sprain are denied. The low back disability and TDIU claim have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right hand condition and remanded the issue of increased rating for his right ankle sprain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him substantially confined to his dwelling, the immediate premises, a ward or clinical area of an institution due to a service-connected condition. He does not have one disability that is rated as totally disabling and an additional disability or disabilities that are independently rated or ratable as at least 60 percent disabling.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II due to the lack of a current diagnosis.,The Board has remanded the claims for right ankle and right knee disabilities as well as respiratory disability (acute bronchitis) for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding his left quadricep or thigh injury, left ankle condition, head injury, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The cases are being returned for additional examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen service connection for left ankle, left shoulder, acid reflux, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus disabilities.

The Veteran's right ankle condition is granted as service-connected. The remaining issues of bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, bilateral knee conditions, obstructive sleep apnea, and bilateral hearing loss are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's right foot, left foot, right ankle, left ankle, and right knee disabilities are all found to be related to service.,Service connection is granted for a major depressive disorder with secondary alcohol abuse.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for eye disability (blurred vision), low back disability, and right ankle disability are being remanded due to procedural errors in the initial decision.

The Veteran's right ankle condition is rated at the highest allowable under the rating criteria, and her right shoulder condition does not warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran has been granted a TDIU based on her service-connected PTSD with bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder, left ankle disability, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and radiculopathy of the bilateral legs are all granted as service-connected.,There is no specific rating assigned or effective date provided in this decision.

An increased 50 percent rating for a thoracic/lumbar spine disability is granted.,Prior to June 21, 2019, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude substantially gainful employment. Since June 21, 2019, his acquired psychiatric disability has made it impossible for him to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.,Since June 21, 2019, the Veteran is granted TDIU.