Ankle decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right foot plantar fasciitis and central disc protrusion, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment for the period from November 1, 2020 to April 25, 2021. The Board granted a TDIU during this period. However, the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right foot plantar fasciitis is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to lack of substantial compliance with its previous directives.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left and right ankle disabilities due to additional development, including obtaining a VA examiner's curriculum vitae and conducting a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further examinations to determine the current nature and etiology of any claimed disabilities, including vasectomy residuals, dental issues, left ankle disability, right wrist disability, left wrist disability, right CTS, and left CTS.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, PTSD, low back disability, right and left ankle conditions, pes planus, tinnitus, IBS, and tendonitis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since his separation from active duty in May 2016. The Board has granted TDIU effective May 15, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC for his service-connected left ankle and knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded three claims: hypertension, left ankle disability, and bilateral hip disability. The Veteran's hypertension claim is related to his service in the Gulf War, and a VA examination is needed to determine if it was caused by this exposure. For the left ankle and right hip disabilities, a VA examination is required to assess their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right ankle sprain, tinnitus, meniscal tear with degenerative arthritis of the left knee, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and others, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection of left and right ankle disabilities, left and right knee disabilities, and psychiatric disability (PTSD). The Board found that there is at least an approximate balance of evidence to support a finding that these conditions began in service. Service connection was granted for all claimed conditions.

The Veteran's injuries from the May 1980 motor vehicle accident are not considered to be in line of duty due to willful misconduct.,Service connection for all claimed conditions is denied as they resulted from the Veteran's own willful misconduct during the incident.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for staph and MRSA infections, as well as his right ankle, left ankle, high altitude condition, and sleep apnea with CPAP are being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence. The Board requests an addendum opinion from VA to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to obtain recent private treatment records regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for anxiety disorder, myofascial pain syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine, left foot condition, and PFB have been reopened due to new and material evidence. However, these claims remain pending as they are remanded for further development.,Service connection has not yet been established for any of the conditions listed above.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The effective date of the right ankle scar was fixed at July 28, 2016. Other claims are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, right ankle disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) have been denied. The evidence does not establish that the current conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records and further review of the claims, including those related to effective dates.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions addressing causation or aggravation.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain was granted service connection as it started during service and continued to present. The lung condition, hypertension, and ED claims are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for OSA and a low back disorder. The claim of left ankle achilles tendonitis remains denied.