Ankle decisions — 2025

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for left and right ankle sprains, as there was no evidence of marked limited motion in either ankle.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, but denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), left restless leg syndrome, right restless leg syndrome, lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, right ankle disability, right ankle scar, and hypertension. The Board also remanded several claims for further development.

The Board granted service connection for back disability, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and residuals of left ankle injury.

The Board granted service connection for a lower back condition and tinnitus, denied a higher rating for PTSD, and remanded the remaining claims for further development.

The Board denied increased ratings for posttraumatic and tension headaches, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, tinnitus, and remanded several claims related to radiculopathy, ankle, thumb, and tinnitus. An effective date of May 3, 2019, was granted for the grant of service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy impacting the femoral nerve.

The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's left and right shoulder strains, as well as a 10 percent disability rating for his left and right ankle sprains.

The appeal for service connection for right ear and left ear hearing loss was denied.,The appeal for service connection for right ear and left ear hearing loss was denied.,Service connection for right ear tinnitus is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for left ear tinnitus is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for right foot disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for left foot disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for right ankle disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for back disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for right knee disability secondary to service-connected right foot disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for left knee disability secondary to service-connected left foot disability is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder secondary to service-connected right and left knee disabilities is granted, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The veteran has formally requested the withdrawal of all pending appeals before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board granted service connection for a right ankle disability and a right knee disability, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities. The effective date of August 10, 2012, was also granted for these conditions.

The Board granted service connection for right hip strain, left hip strain, left ankle strain, and right knee strain based on the evidence of record.

The Board granted service connection for a left hip disorder and a left ankle disorder, finding that the evidence is in at least approximate balance regarding whether these disorders are related to service.

The claims for service connection for right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and left foot pes planus are remanded to obtain additional opinions.

The Board granted service connection for soft tissue infection with cellulitis and a residual ankle disorder, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the service-connected left and right ankle disabilities, but remanded the claim for service connection for constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain syndrome.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU, special monthly compensation at the housebound rate, and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits. The right knee osteoarthritis issue was remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied increased ratings for bilateral ankle tendonitis and granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The rating reduction from 30 percent to 20 percent for posttraumatic arthritis, right ankle with residuals of old fracture, right fibula was improper; restoration of the 30 percent rating is granted.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted a 30 percent disability rating, but no higher. The claims for increased ratings and service connection for other conditions are denied.

The Board granted service connection for vitiligo and gastrointestinal disability, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, right hand disability, left hand disability, and other knee and ankle disabilities. The decision also addressed the rating of PTSD.

The Board granted service connection for left and right foot and ankle conditions, reported as pain and diagnosed as shin splints, pes planus, Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.