Ankle Board decisions

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle disabilities due to inadequate VA examination findings. Additional evidence is requested, including VA treatment records from August 2023 onwards.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate reasoning in its previous decision regarding a rating higher than 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left ankle. The Veteran's testimony during his May 2013 hearing was not adequately addressed, and the Court ordered additional development including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, bilateral ankles, and lower back conditions are remanded due to insufficient opinion regarding secondary service connection. The claims will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has denied service connection for left, right ankle conditions and bilateral knee conditions as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions are inadequate and the claims for service connection must be remanded again. The Veteran's left knee, right shoulder, back, bilateral ankles, and erectile dysfunction disabilities are being reviewed to determine if they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection for a left wrist TFCC tear is granted. The rating of 20 percent, but no higher, for benign prostatic hypertrophy with urge incontinence (BPH) is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, lower back strain, and a left leg condition including numbness due to insufficient evidence of their onset in service or otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for acne, herpes, right ankle pain, left ankle pain, low back pain, right hip condition, left hip condition, esophageal reflux, tinea versicolor, insomnia, and stress incontinence due to additional VA treatment records being added to her case file.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder, right ankle, and right shoulder disabilities as well as back disability due to the lack of current diagnoses and insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of lumbar, right ankle, and right foot disabilities are remanded due to the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's left ankle sprain is granted service connection and rated at 20 percent.,Her chronic lumbar strain (back disability) is granted an initial rating of 20 percent, but no higher.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the rating for GERD with hiatal hernia was dismissed due to his withdrawal. The appeals for PTSD, low back disability, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability are remanded.

The Veteran's right ankle instability has been granted a 30 percent evaluation, which is the highest rating available under VA regulations for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, requiring additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle disability, including gastro-soleus equinus syndrome and bilateral pes planus (plantar fasciitis), is related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's bilateral knee disability was caused by his service-connected bilateral ankle disability. The low back disability is also linked to the service-connected bilateral ankle disability and bilateral feet disabilities.,PTSD is found to be related to the Veteran's active duty service, with a diagnosis of PTSD confirmed in private examination reports.,ED is determined to be secondary to PTSD, as diagnosed by a private examiner.,Obstructive sleep apnea is also found to be secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for right knee strain, left knee strain, and residuals of a left ankle fracture are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right and left hip disabilities, back disability, and PTSD have been denied. The VA has granted a separate 10% rating for the Veteran's right ankle disability and left ankle disability.

The Board granted an effective date of September 12, 2008 for the award of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) at the 'L' rate based on loss of use of one hand and one foot. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance.