Ankle decisions — 2024

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all listed conditions and the 10 percent evaluation based on multiple, non-compensable service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted an initial 30 percent rating for obstructive sleep apnea, but the issue of service connection for a right ankle disorder is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's somatic symptom disorder, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, tinnitus, allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinus condition), carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, iliopsoas tendinitis of the right hip, irritable bowel syndrome, left ankle condition, left flatfoot, left knee condition, right ankle condition, right flatfoot, right knee, sleep apnea, and varicose veins of both lower extremities are all granted.,The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis (claimed as sinus condition), carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, and varicose veins of both lower extremities are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims have been remanded due to the need for further examination or evidence in several cases. The left knee strain claim remains denied, as does all other individual conditions except for those related to service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right ankle strain and bilateral plantar fasciitis were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tension headaches, bilateral knee disabilities, and bilateral ankle disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions regarding causation and secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ankle conditions due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran contends his current ankle conditions are related to military service, specifically running to stay fit and climbing a tank onto a concrete surface during service.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disability as secondary to the Veteran's right shoulder disability and denied an increased rating for his left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous remand instructions, specifically regarding obtaining an adequate medical opinion on the Veteran's right ankle disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's TBI with psychiatric disability is rated at 70 percent, meeting the criteria for this rating.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's headaches are currently rated at 30 percent and do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of his left ankle condition due to insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to service. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to determine if his current left ankle condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, right ankle disability, right hand scar, left foot plantar fasciitis, bilateral pes planus, and skin disability (xerosis) have all been granted. The issues of service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis, bilateral pes planus, and skin disability are remanded.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection of right elbow, left elbow, right knee, left knee, and right ankle conditions must be remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability was denied because the evidence did not establish a qualifying event, injury, or disease during service. The right shoulder disability claim was granted as it is directly related to active service.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeals regarding the left ankle disorder, cervical spine disorder, and TBI. As a result, the Board is dismissing these appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right ankle degenerative arthritis, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy with radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and degenerative disc and joint disease of the lumbar spine, rendered him unable to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5271. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.

The Board has denied service connection for right ankle, left ankle, and cervical spine conditions. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck, right arm, left ankle, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee conditions due to insufficient medical opinions based on lack of in-service treatment records. The Veteran is advised to submit or identify any relevant evidence.