Ankle Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for COPD, low back disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, chronic fatigue syndrome and joint pain, tremors, and tinnitus are granted due to the PACT Act presumption of exposure to burn pits. The claims for service connection for these conditions are based on presumptive service connection under the PACT Act.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional development and examination.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hand disabilities remains pending.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral shoulder disabilities remains pending.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities remains pending.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability (claimed as arthritis) remains pending.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability (claimed as arthritis) remains pending.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected pseudofolliculitis barbae remains pending.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected right ankle strain remains pending.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining a VA examiner's curriculum vitae and private medical records. The RO will also schedule the Veteran for additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his hip, shoulder, knee, and foot disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, necessitating the use of a cane or wheelchair as a normal mode of locomotion. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing based on this finding.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for multiple conditions, including bilateral plantar fasciitis, bipolar disorder, and others. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result of the withdrawal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen her service connection for a left ankle fracture, finding that new and material evidence was not presented.

The Board has been notified of a withdrawal request from the appellant, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Board denied an initial rating higher than 10 percent for right ankle osteoarthritis with tendonitis and sprain, but remanded the issue of entitlement to a higher rating for lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease (DDD).

The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease with limitation of motion is rated at 10 percent, and his right ankle degenerative joint disease is rated at 20 percent. The appeal for higher ratings remains denied.

The Board has granted a rating of 30% for right ankle instability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms align with marked ankle instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various disorders, including neck, ankle, shoulder, hip, leg, and knee conditions. The remand requires new medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of these disorders in relation to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to attend VA examinations and incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran is also required to provide authorization for VA to obtain private medical records from Emory Healthcare Veterans Program.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to deficiencies in the prior examinations and requests for additional records. The Veteran will need new VA examinations for her sacroiliitis, left hip, and bilateral ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities are not service-connected as they did not begin during active duty or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, right ankle, and left arm conditions due to lack of evidence supporting a chronic condition since service.,The Board has also remanded the claim for service connection for the left shoulder condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a right ankle disorder. Service connection is granted for this condition. The issue of service connection for OSA is remanded due to lack of a VA opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions considering his work history and lay statements regarding his ability to perform as an electrician or support technician.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left and right ankle conditions, finding that they are related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle degenerative arthritis, left leg tibia and fibula malunion with degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine spondylosis, left knee degenerative arthritis, right knee degenerative arthritis, cervical spine degenerative arthritis and DDD with neural impingement at the C6-C7 disc, and right shoulder tendonitis and arthritis.