Ankle decisions — 2026

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and an inadequate VA medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions and potential TERA exposure. The appeals for service connection are not resolved.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (insomnia) is granted as secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The left hip, vertigo, left wrist, left hamstring, left knee, and left ankle disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, including left shoulder strain, migraines, right shoulder strain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), back pain, and lip scar.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left ankle disabilities due to a duty-to-assist error.,Service connection will be considered based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal of his service connection claims, finding that the appeal was untimely and no good cause for extension was provided.

The reduction in the ratings for first-degree frostbite with degenerative arthritis of the right hand and left hand from 30% to 20% was not proper, and the original 30% ratings are reinstated. The Veteran is granted entitlement to Total Disability due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims and subsequent death.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spondylosis and left ankle disability, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service. The Veteran's neck condition was attributed to wear and tear over time, while his ankle issue was linked to post-service surgery.

The Board has granted secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the combined service-connected disabilities caused obesity, which in turn led to the development of obstructive sleep apnea. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine arthritis, left ankle strain, and IBS have been granted.,However, the Veteran's claims for service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error and the Veteran's claim for service connection must be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for cervical spine, right shoulder, lumbosacral spine, and left ankle disabilities have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the appeal by the Veteran's attorney.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for sleep apnea, bilateral shoulder conditions, bilateral knee conditions, bilateral ankle conditions, and vertigo.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his right ankle, right knee, and left knee disabilities is being remanded due to the use of goniometer in range of motion testing during VA examinations.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disability remains under review.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that his condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent and the Board finds no evidence to support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to errors in obtaining his complete service treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature of his toxic exposure and the relationship between his current disabilities and active duty.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for various conditions, including kidney stones, shoulder injuries, foot and ankle issues, and back problems. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Board has granted service connection for frostbite injuries to both feet, generalized anxiety disorder, and pain of the left ankle. The right sciatic radicular pain is denied.