Ankle decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for the right hip, left ankle, low back, and TBI residuals conditions. The Veteran's current diagnoses are supported by medical records, and his statements regarding the onset of these conditions during service have been found to be credible.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection and a 30 percent rating for left ankle disability based on functional ankylosis is granted.

The Veteran's preexisting bilateral pes planus and left knee disability were aggravated during service, warranting service connection.,The Veteran's current left ankle disability is etiologically related to his in-service left ankle injuries.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain is being remanded due to the need for a new VA medical opinion to address the etiology of his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left, right knee disabilities and a right ankle disability due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is not required to seek treatment after service if she does not have access to VA resources.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The Veteran is required to be notified of upcoming examinations and must cooperate with VA in developing these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, a bilateral ankle disability, bilateral hallux valgus, and bilateral plantar fasciitis are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on three separate conditions (left ankle injury, left foot infection and amputation, and left foot tinea pedis) has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The appeal is not about service connection but rather the right of a surviving family member to continue the appeal.

The Veteran's left ankle strain is rated at 10 percent, as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's maxillary sinusitis is rated at 10 percent due to three or less non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting.,The Veteran's bilateral flat feet are rated at 30 percent, as they meet the criteria for severe bilateral flatfoot with objective evidence of marked deformity (pronation, abduction, etc.).,The Veteran's right hip strain does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to normal range of motion.,The Veteran's left knee painful scar and anterior patella scar status post meniscus/ACL repair do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they are both rated at 10 percent (compensable).,The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis with meniscal repair does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to flexion to no less than 100 degrees, locking, and pain.

The Veteran's service-connected right foot disability (fracture of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsals) is associated with his acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression and anxiety). The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder related to his active service and aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal seeking an earlier effective date for service connection due to CUE in a 1996 rating decision is dismissed as the April 1998 Board decision subsumed the June 1996 RO decision.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 20 percent, effective October 17, 2020. The rating for the left knee strain was also granted at 20 percent, effective October 17, 2020.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disorder is service-connected, as it was incurred during active duty service and persists to this day.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for gastrointestinal, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to establish service connection for the Veteran's claimed knee, foot, and ankle conditions. The claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that there are errors in the decision-making process and requires additional development to ensure compliance with VA's duty to assist. The Veteran is entitled to service connection for various conditions, but further evidence is needed due to missing service records.

The Veteran's left ankle condition is granted a 30 percent evaluation effective April 1, 2019.,The Veteran's GERD/hiatal hernia condition is granted a 30 percent evaluation effective July 25, 2019.

The Veteran's right ankle, left ankle, and low back disabilities are granted service connection. The claims for bilateral hip and knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of left ankle disorder, left and right knee strains due to inadequate examinations and duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left clavicle fracture and right ankle fractures is being remanded.,Service connection has been granted for the residuals of these conditions, but he now seeks higher disability ratings.