Ankle decisions — 2024

The appeal seeking service connection for a right ankle disability is dismissed because the July 2021 rating decision did not address this claim, and there are no other relevant decisions within a year prior to the July 2022 VA Form 10182.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are inextricably intertwined with other issues and requires remand to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of both arms and legs, finding that his conditions did not meet the criteria for SMC(k), SMC(l), or any other applicable rating.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was granted service connection. The left ankle condition claim is dismissed due to procedural defects. Other claims for various conditions are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee, ankle, foot, hip disabilities and cervical spine disability. The evidence did not show a current disability or any related symptoms that caused impairment in earning capacity during the appeal period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an increased rating for right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, finding that there was no current diagnosis of hypertension and insufficient evidence to support a higher disability rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected PTSD. The claims for service connection for left ankle condition, low back condition (IVDS), ilio-inguinal nerve entrapment, right post hernia repair, and right ankle condition (lateral collateral ligament sprain) are remanded due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient etiology opinions regarding the Veteran's left ankle disorder, specifically whether it is related to service or secondary to his service-connected left knee limitation of motion.

The appeal was dismissed as the proposed rating reduction for the right ankle injury with residuals and the claim for a compensable evaluation for right ankle scars status post-surgery were not final decisions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for sleep apnea, cluster headaches, left wrist torn ligament, and right ankle strain.

The Veteran was found to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and left ankle disorder, from April 16, 2002 to February 5, 2008. The decision is based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Board remands the issues of service connection for residuals of traumatic brain injury, obstructive sleep apnea, and right ankle disability, as well as higher initial ratings for right hip strain and left hip strain, to the agency of original jurisdiction for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right ankle sprain and right knee disorder due to a lack of compliance with procedural requirements during his May 2022 hearing. The Veteran is advised that he can request a new hearing if he wishes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his ankle conditions due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran will need additional VA examinations to address functional impairment of earning capacity.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right and left shoulder strains, right elbow strain, left elbow strain, right knee strain, and right ankle strain, finding that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a right ankle condition, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's GERD, left ankle pain, erectile dysfunction, and tension headaches are all claimed as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board finds the evidence insufficient to determine if these conditions are related to PTSD.,The VA examiner in June 2021 did not provide a clear opinion on whether the Veteran's symptoms of burning in his throat and stomach, vomiting, and unintentional weight loss constitute a disability and whether any such disability is secondary to his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its secondary relationship to PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the right and left knee, degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, right and left ankle conditions, and nasal bone fracture residuals due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a remand is necessary to determine if it warrants an increased rating due to symptoms functionally equivalent to ankylosis.