Ankle decisions — 2024

Service connection is granted for allergic rhinitis, degenerative arthritis of the spine, right knee osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease, and osteochondritis dissecans to include osteochondral fracture right ankle.,An effective date prior to December 8, 2017, for service connection for left knee disability and right ankle disability is dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral hip condition secondary to flat feet, BLE radiculopathy (right knee) and left ankle condition (claimed as left ankle fracture residuals). The Veteran's subjective reports were not supported by objective medical evidence.,Service connection was also denied for BLE radiculopathy secondary to a lumbosacral strain. The Board found that the Veteran did not have any current disability or persistent symptoms of BLE radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as there was no pending claim prior to June 10, 2019.,The Veteran's right ankle sprain claim was denied due to the finality of a previous denial in July 2013.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% evaluation effective April 26, 2019.,SMC based on housebound criteria was also granted effective April 26, 2019.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection of a left shoulder disability.,Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The Veteran's in-service stressors are linked to his current symptoms.

The Veteran's bilateral flat feet, left ankle condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, right ankle condition, and right leg condition are all granted as service connection is established based on the evidence of record.,The Veteran's left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis (claimed as left shoulder condition) and right shoulder strain (claimed as right shoulder condition) are also granted as service connection is established based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bone disease, hemorrhoids, neck arthritis, back arthritis, bilateral hand arthritis, bilateral knee arthritis, and bilateral ankle arthritis have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal. The claim for hypertension has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including her left ankle sprain and sleep apnea, have significantly impacted her ability to perform daily activities. The Board has determined that she requires regular aid and attendance due to these disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right wrist disability has been withdrawn.,Service connection for left knee, right knee, and left ankle disabilities have all been denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations to determine the current severity of the Veteran's cervical spine strain and hypothyroidism, as the previous VA examinations were inadequate.

The appeal for service connection for right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy is dismissed. The appeal for service connection for right ankle disability secondary to a service-connected condition is remanded.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and left ankle condition were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis, cervical spine condition, and sciatic nerve condition were also denied as the evidence does not support a connection to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable, and the Board granted his TDIU claim from March 22, 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right ankle disability, finding that there was no direct evidence linking his current degenerative arthritis to his military service. The Board also noted that continuity of symptomatology since service could not be established and that presumptive service connection based on exposure to Agent Orange or other conditions did not apply.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence does not support a finding of current disability in any of these conditions.,Service connection was also denied for sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to make a fully informed decision on the Veteran's claim for an evaluation greater than 10 percent for right ankle tendonitis with arthritis and partial tearing of the right deltoid ligament.

The Board denied service connection for thoracolumbar spine condition, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and left ankle condition.,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's death, and no service connection is granted for any of the claimed conditions.

The Board has withdrawn the Veteran's appeals for service connection for allergies, bronchitis, cervical spine disability, lower back disability, left ankle disability, and sleep apnea. The appeal is also remanded for further examination regarding SMC based on aid and attendance.