Ankle decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, kidney disability, and several other disabilities are denied. The Board has remanded the remaining service connection claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for condition of the teeth, throat pain, left ankle disability, and diverticulosis were denied. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for diverticulosis was granted with a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and musculoskeletal conditions, prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The Board has determined that the criteria for a TDIU are met.

The Board has determined that the claims file is missing relevant medical evidence, including records from Dr. K.M., and therefore these claims are remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various knee, hip, and ankle conditions as secondary to a service-connected left great toe fracture with degenerative arthritis. Additional medical opinions are needed to determine if these conditions were aggravated by the service-connected condition.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed hearing loss disability for VA purposes, and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The claims for left ankle condition, right ankle condition, and lower back condition are remanded due to insufficient evidence of in-service injury or disease.

The Board has restored the 20 percent rating for the Veteran's right ankle tendonitis, finding that the reduction was improper due to lack of actual improvement in the disability under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to address secondary service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for direct service connection of a right ankle disorder. The issue of secondary service connection is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has granted increased disability ratings of 20 percent for the service-connected right and left ankle disabilities, but denied an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for the major (dominant) right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's right hip disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral knee, and left ankle disabilities.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome. The right ankle condition claim will also be remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left ankle arthritis, right ankle arthritis, left knee arthritis, and right knee arthritis have been granted. Service connection has also been granted for a right shoulder torn rotator cuff. The claim of entitlement to service connection for a right arm bicep tear is denied.

The Veteran's left and right ankle braces caused wear and tear on his clothing in 2020, warranting a clothing allowance. However, the knee, back, elbow, and wrist braces did not cause significant wear and tear to his clothing.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities was not at a 100% level before October 11, 2019. The Board denied her request for an earlier effective date.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right hip degenerative arthritis, left ankle osteoarthritis, right ankle osteoarthritis, and lumbosacral spine arthritis. These conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so incapable of performing the activities of daily living that he requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect him from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment. The Board has granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The appeal for service connection for major depressive disorder is dismissed.,Service connection for mild tibiotalar osteoarthritis, left ankle is granted based on resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability during service or within the presumptive period. The Veteran's tinnitus, however, is granted as it is related to his active service.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are remanded for further development due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding their onset and relationship to service.,The Veteran's right ankle disorder is also remanded for further development due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding its onset and relationship to service.