Ankle decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current audiometric test results.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's left ankle disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5271.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is granted as service-connected.,An initial compensable rating for tinea pedis (right foot) is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is needed to assess the severity of the Veteran's right ankle conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines and right and left hip, knee, and ankle disabilities are remanded due to ambiguities in the VA opinions provided. Clarifying medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Board has found that the VA examinations and medical opinions are inadequate, and thus remanding all claims for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection of left and right ankle disabilities due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The AOJ will consider this new evidence in their next decision.

The Board has determined that there were duty to assist errors prior to the January 2022 decision and has ordered additional development, including obtaining private treatment records from the Orthopedic Specialists of Dallas and requesting addendum medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of all relevant evidence, including private treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and the correction of a duty to assist error.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, eczematous dermatitis, and hemorrhoids due to duty-to-assist errors. The Veteran's left ankle sprain claim is denied as there is no evidence of an earlier effective date.

The Veteran's multi-joint rheumatoid arthritis and right ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease are granted initial ratings of 10 percent each, effective June 14, 2019. The decision also grants an increased rating to 60 percent for rheumatoid arthritis as of March 1, 2023.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, cervical spine disorder, headaches, and multiple musculoskeletal disorders have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn, and the Board has dismissed these issues due to withdrawal. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for hearing loss for VA purposes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are remanded due to inadequate examinations and pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The cases will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for tinnitus is denied because the evidence does not establish that it was caused by service exposure to noise, and there is no continuity of symptoms since service.,The Veteran's claim for left ankle sprain is denied due to lack of a causal link between the in-service injury and current condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with her education and work history, resulting in the denial of a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to duty-to-assist errors, including inadequate medical opinions regarding the onset and relationship of the claimed conditions to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability due to lack of current diagnosis.,All other claims on appeal are remanded as there is a duty to assist error in obtaining opinions prior to the May 2019 rating decision.