Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ankle grade 2 chondral thinning with low grade sprain of CFL was granted, and an effective date of August 17, 2020, but no earlier, was established. The initial evaluation for the disability remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, bladder disorder (bladder incontinence), thoracolumbar spine disorder, and left ankle disorder were denied as there is no current evidence of a diagnosed disability or functional impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, lumbar spine disability, cervicothoracic spine pain, left knee pain, right knee pain, right ankle pain, right shoulder impingement syndrome, TMJ disorder, and unspecified trauma- and stressor-related disorder. The evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The claims of service connection for left ankle, back, right arm, and left arm disabilities are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's GERD is granted an increased rating to 30 percent, but no higher. Service connection for right ankle tendonitis with lateral collateral ligament sprain and bilateral plantar fasciitis are both denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain/strain, left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain/strain, right foot hallux valgus, and left foot stress fracture are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain with degenerative changes is rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The right ankle scars status post lateral stabilization exostectomy are not compensably rated.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient VA opinions and missing private treatment records. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions addressing the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot and ankle disabilities, including all relevant diagnoses.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar spondylosis, left and right lower extremity radiculopathies, degenerative joint disease of the ankles, and claims for service connection for knee and hip disabilities. The remaining issues are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder degenerative arthritis, left ankle strain, cervical strain, and lumbosacral strain as these conditions have been continuously present since the Veteran's military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right ankle disorder, including a lack of continuity of symptomatology and post-service treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle disorders, finding that there was no increase in severity during service or clear and unmistakable evidence of aggravation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings due to inadequate examinations and need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for left ankle stress fracture residuals is being remanded due to a duty to assist error in the prior examination report.

The Veteran is granted TDIU and SMC from November 20, 2020 due to his service-connected Major Depressive Disorder. The effective date for these benefits is set as of the date he filed his VA Form 21-8940 application.

The Board has denied service connection for various knee, ankle, foot, and neurological disorders as well as a psychiatric disorder and high blood pressure. The evidence does not show current disabilities of these conditions.

The Board has found that there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not affording the Veteran a VA examination for her bilateral ankle disability. The case is therefore remanded for further action.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the hearing, leaving no issues for appellate consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain and degenerative arthritis, finding that these conditions had their onset during his active service.