Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including CFS, hypertension, GERD, hip arthritis, shoulder and knee conditions, ankle conditions, cervical spine and low back conditions, bilateral pes planus, and bilateral plantar fasciitis, have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or a nexus to active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for right knee strain, left ankle strain, and right ankle strain as there is no evidence of a causal relationship between the conditions and service.

The appeal as to service connection for right and left knee degenerative arthritis, and right and left ankle sprains is dismissed. The appeal as to service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability is remanded.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining updated medical records and a new VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for a more contemporaneous examination of the Veteran's left ankle disability due to the passage of time since her last examination, which may no longer reflect her current level of disability. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of the conditions.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and entitlement to DIC under 38 USC § 1318, finding that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's death to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right and left ankle tendonitis as further development is needed.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent since June 30, 2021. The claim for increased rating is denied. Service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left ankle, right hip, and low back disabilities due to insufficient evidence at the time of the initial decision. New VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability due to a lack of current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right and left ankle disabilities due to a lack of adequate medical opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions regarding his mental state at the time of misconduct, as well as obtaining relevant treatment records.

The Board has found errors in the duty to assist and remands both claims for further development. The Veteran's left ankle disability is claimed as multiple ankle injuries and gout, while his lumbar spine disability is claimed as strain or injury.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal seeking an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected bilateral glaucoma and service connection for other conditions. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board granted an effective date of June 4, 2009, for a 20 percent rating for left rotator cuff strain and impingement when not temporarily totally disabled, a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress and major depressive disorder, and a 20 percent rating for right ankle lateral instability. The claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim due to a pre-decisional error in the previous VA audiological examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, asthma with sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, and various musculoskeletal conditions, render him unable to perform daily activities without regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance have been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left leg neuropathy, numbness, and nerve damage did not manifest in service or are otherwise related to service. The claim for service connection for these conditions is denied. The Board also found no evidence of a current right ankle disability and thus remanded the issue for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation of his left and right knee disabilities, as well as his TDIU claim. His adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression has been granted a 70% rating since October 15, 2020.