Knee decisions — 2025

The appeal for an evaluation higher than 30 percent for service-connected PTSD was dismissed, and the initial evaluations for hemorrhoids, iron deficiency anemia, and other specified eating disorder were denied. The Board remanded several claims for further development.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including left and right hip trochanteric pain syndrome, knee strain and pain due to vitamin D deficiency, shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff injuries, and hand carpal tunnel syndrome and degenerative joint disease. The decision was based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active service.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and alcohol use disorder, finding a nexus to in-service stressors. The other claims are remanded for further evidence.

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is rated at 20 percent, and the claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease, other than intervertebral disc syndrome, and lumbosacral strain; right lower extremity radiculopathy; and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are remanded.

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is rated at 20 percent, and the claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease, other than intervertebral disc syndrome, and lumbosacral strain; right lower extremity radiculopathy; and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome are remanded.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for right knee, left knee, and cervical spine conditions as well as a TDIU due to the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder was increased to a 100% disability rating effective March 4, 2017, and other issues were resolved with grants or denials.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, lower back condition, and neck condition due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for PTSD, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, right shoulder, left shoulder, and left knee as well as diabetes mellitus type II due to an untimely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) filed more than one year after the initial denial.

The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and lumbar sacral strain, left hip iliopsoas tendonitis, right hip iliopsoas tendonitis, right knee strain and patellofemoral pain syndrome, and migraine headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability. However, DMII was denied.

The Board remands the claim for service connection of right knee strain with osteoarthritis to correct an error by the AOJ in failing to obtain relevant medical records.

The Board granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, a left ankle disability, a gastrointestinal disability as secondary to a psychiatric disorder, and a migraine headache rating of 50 percent. The earlier effective date claim was denied.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the right knee, and remanded claims for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board remands the claim for a right knee condition to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The appeal for service connection for multiple conditions was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee strain with tricompartmental osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis right knee, as there was no evidence of flexion or extension limited to 30 degrees, recurrent subluxation, lateral instability, ankylosis, impairment of the tibia or fibula, meniscal conditions, or genu recurvatum.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to an initial higher rating for left knee disability and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's instability.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and left knee disability to obtain additional VA addendum opinions.