Ankle decisions — 2024

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection need further development due to missing VA treatment records. The case is being sent back to obtain these records.

The Veteran's left ankle disability and associated instability have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each, effective as of the date of the decision.

The appeals for increased ratings for PTSD, tinnitus, left knee tendonitis/tendinosis, and left ankle sprain residuals are dismissed. The appeals regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss, TBI with associated headaches and sleep apnea, lumbosacral strain, right knee tendonitis (limitation of extension), and right knee tendonitis (limitation of flexion) are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of right ankle condition and bilateral knee arthritis. The Board found that new evidence supports reopening the left foot condition claim and established a link between current disability and service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, tendonitis of the right ankle, hammer toes, and osteoarthritis of the MTP joint disabilities as they are related to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and referring the claim of entitlement to TDIU to the Under Secretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation and Pension Services for consideration of assignment of a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis prior to November 17, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (bilateral pes planus, right ankle degenerative joint disease, cervical paraspinal tendonitis, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and painful scars) have worsened to the point where he requires aid and attendance. The Board has ordered a remand for further examination to determine his need for SMC based on aid and attendance/housebound status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder has been granted.,Service connection was also established for tinnitus with an effective date of June 20, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI, bilateral knees, left metatarsal avulsion residuals, left wrist condition, and migraines are being remanded for further evaluation due to the potential worsening of these conditions.,The Veteran's rib/sternum condition, left ankle condition, bilateral shoulder conditions, insomnia, and kidney condition (claimed as rhabdomyolysis) are also being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for new VA examinations and medical opinions regarding her right knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, right ankle disorder, and left ankle disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for basal cell carcinoma, bilateral hearing loss, scar associated with right Achilles tendon rupture, and right Achilles tendon rupture (right ankle) as well as his claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for diabetes. The AOJ is instructed to obtain any outstanding VA treatment records and private treatment records related to the Veteran's claims. Additionally, a new examination is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's right ankle disability and diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for OSA and a right ankle disability are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examinations regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected right ankle condition caused or aggravated his left foot disability.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for snoring and acid reflux have been reopened due to new evidence. The issues of entitlement to service connection for equilibrium problems, bilateral hearing loss, upper and lower teeth condition including TMJ disorder, arthritis of the entire joint system, bilateral ankle condition, bilateral hip condition, sleep apnea, bilateral eye condition (periorbital eye pain, NVS cataracts, glaucoma suspect), acid reflux, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are all remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for snoring and acid reflux have been reopened due to new evidence. The issues of entitlement to service connection for equilibrium problems, bilateral hearing loss, upper and lower teeth condition including TMJ disorder, arthritis of the entire joint system, bilateral ankle condition, bilateral hip condition, sleep apnea, bilateral eye condition (periorbital eye pain, NVS cataracts, glaucoma suspect), acid reflux, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are all remanded for further development.

Your claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded to the AOJ for further review of your medical records. You will be notified if any changes are made to your benefits.

The Veteran's tinnitus, migraine headaches, facial laceration, right ankle strain, and cervical strain are all found to be related to injuries sustained during his active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in April 1991.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's reported symptoms of tinnitus, migraines, a facial laceration, right ankle strain, and cervical strain that have persisted since service.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of exposure to volcanic ash has been reopened, and service connection is granted.,Service connection is also granted for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).,Service connection for glaucoma is denied.,Service connection for left ankle degenerative arthritis is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.,Specifically, the Veteran is seeking service connection for various disabilities including a bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral ankle disability, eye condition, hearing loss, dizziness or fainting spells, fatigue, respiratory disorder, and left kidney disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board will need to provide the Veteran with examinations and consider additional medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to deficiencies in prior remand directives and unsecured records. The Veteran's service treatment records, private treatment records, and active duty treatment records are needed.