Ankle decisions — 2025

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected status post right Achilles tendon rupture and repair (right ankle disability), resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran based on his reports of pain, functional loss, and use of a cane as an assistive device.

The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for a back disability, left ankle disability, migraine disability, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and right ankle disability.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities and denied increased ratings for existing conditions.

The Board granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, but denied increased ratings for COPD, chronic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, lumbosacral strain, migraine with chronic headaches, and residuals of a right ankle fracture. The Veteran was granted TDIU from January 12, 2022.

The Board is remanding the case to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error regarding the recoupment of disability compensation due to receipt of Special Separation Benefits.

The Board denied service connection for left ankle disability as there is no current diagnosis and the evidence does not support a causal relationship between the claimed condition and active service.

The Board granted service connection for anxiety disorder and remanded several other claims, including those for hearing loss, tinnitus, a headache disorder, dizziness, hypothyroidism, hypertension, hemorrhoids, and GERD.

The Board granted a 10% rating for the right ankle scar and onychomycosis, but denied service connection for hypertension, GERD, IBS, lumbar spine strain, PTSD, and cirrhosis of the liver.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded claims for left ankle, right ankle, and shave bumps disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for multiple disabilities, including cervical spine, radiculopathy, foot and ankle conditions, hypertension, migraines, skin issues, bone pain, and kidney problems, as the evidence did not support a finding of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus and left upper extremity radiculopathy, but denied service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, chronic sinusitis, left great toe ingrown toenail disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The Board also denied increased ratings for left shoulder strain, right shoulder degenerative arthritis, left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear, and acute intermittent tension.

The Board granted restoration of the 10 percent rating for rhinitis, effective February 6, 2023, and denied compensable ratings for alopecia areata, right hand ring finger sprain, and right handle little finger sprain. The Board remanded claims for service connection for a left hand disability, left knee condition, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and sleep disorder.

The Board remands the case for a new VA examination to address the Veteran's left ankle disability, considering the effects of his medication and range of motion testing.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder, elbow, and ankle disabilities for further development.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and effective dates due to insufficient evidence of herbicide exposure, and issues related to ratings and TDIU.

The Board remands the matters for additional development, including obtaining a retrospective medical opinion and an addendum opinion to address the nature, extent, and severity of the Veteran's service-connected gout affecting the right elbow and right and left ankles from April 16, 2007 until January 5, 2020, as well as whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for various musculoskeletal disabilities, including the neck, elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet, as there was no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board remands the appeal for additional development to ensure adequate reasons and bases are provided in evaluating the Veteran's right ankle disability.

The Board remands the service connection claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, skin cancer, and conditions of the right shoulder, left hip, left knee, and left ankle due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error in failing to obtain the Veteran's service records.

The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability based on the evidence showing that these conditions are due to active service.