Ankle decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a right foot ganglion cyst was denied as there is no evidence of the condition during the pendency of his appeal. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right ankle arthritis was granted with a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disability, right ankle disability, and right foot hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis, status post bunionectomy (right foot disability) have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for intermittent recurrent bronchitis has also been denied.

The Board has found that the Veteran should be afforded VA examinations to determine if his bilateral ankle, foot, and knee conditions are related to service or secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The sinusitis claim is also remanded for an addendum opinion considering all of the Veteran's lay statements, service treatment records, and post-service treatment records regarding his symptoms during and since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left ankle disorder and hypertension due to outstanding VA examinations not having been conducted as directed in March 2023. The AOJ is instructed to attempt rescheduling the Veteran for these examinations.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss, multiple sclerosis, and left ankle disability for further development to verify the Veteran's service periods and obtain medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding higher initial evaluations for left ankle sprain with shin splints, currently rated at 10 percent prior to February 27, 2021; and 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's hypertension and right ankle disabilities have been granted service connection. The effective date for the hypertension disability is not specified as it was previously denied, but reopened.

Service connection for lumbosacral strain and cervical strain has been granted.,Service connection for bilateral hip iliopsoas tendonitis, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, and left elbow condition have been granted. Service connection for right shoulder condition is pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left ankle conditions, as well as right and left hand and fingers conditions, and right and left hip conditions due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disability is granted as service-connected. The Board finds the evidence supports a nexus between the Veteran's bilateral eye disability and his military service, but further development is needed for other conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for bilateral ankle and knee disorders due to insufficient development in prior decisions.

The Board has ordered a remand for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's left ankle disability, as there is insufficient evidence to determine if it is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions and service connection issues are being remanded due to the receipt of new evidence. The specific issues include rating adjustments, service connection determinations, and reopening of previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, knee, and foot disorders due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran contends his current disabilities are related to in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence added since the November 2019 Statement of the Case and additional VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's sleep apnea began during active service and is granted.,The Veteran has a current acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorder related to his in-service stressor. A VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran meets the diagnostic criteria for these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection and rating for chest pain, hearing loss, left shoulder pain, major depressive disorder, left ankle pain, left hip pain, left knee pain, right ankle pain, right hip pain, and a compensable rating for dry eye syndrome.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 30 percent, effective August 9, 2018. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted.

The Veteran's right and left ankle disabilities are being remanded for further development as the claim is reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.