Knee decisions — 2025

The appeal for service connection of a right knee condition is remanded. The VA needs to conduct an examination to determine the nature and cause of the knee injury.

The veteran's disability rating for right knee instability was restored to 10 percent. Other claims for higher ratings were denied, and the claim for lumbar spine disability was remanded.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of a right knee disorder and low back disorder. The veteran will receive VA examinations to determine the nature and cause of these conditions.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals for an earlier effective date for several service-connected conditions. The Board remanded the issues of a compensable rating for migraines and a higher rating for right ankle disability.

The Board denied service connection for anxiety, depression, bilateral hearing loss, and both knee disabilities. However, the claims for nerve pain in the lower extremities and sleep apnea were remanded for further adjudication.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, bilateral elbow disorders, and bilateral knee disorders. The Board found that the VA did not adequately develop the claims under the PACT Act and that the examinations were inadequate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left patellofemoral pain syndrome, including as secondary to right knee meniscal tear, has been granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating greater than 10 percent for limited flexion and extension of both knees from October 20, 2015 to March 12, 2017 was denied. However, the veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for limitation of flexion and extension of both knees from March 13, 2017 to March 27, 2024. The claim for an increased rating greater than 20 percent beginning March 28, 2024 was remanded.

The appeal for a higher rating for right knee laxity was sent back to the VA for more information. The Board needs new medical exams and opinions on the severity of the condition since 2001.

The Board remanded all issues to obtain updated medical examinations and opinions.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for an increased rating for right knee strain with osteoarthritis and meniscal tear, and for service connection for hearing loss. The VA did not comply with previous remand instructions, including verifying the veteran's address and scheduling necessary examinations.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional disabilities related to a right knee total arthroplasty, anxiety disorder, low back pain, and right leg pain have been granted due to the evidence not satisfactorily proving or disproving that these conditions were caused by VA negligence/lack of care in providing surgical treatment.

Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. All other claims are remanded for further action.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his left knee and ankle conditions, as well as for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU), due to inadequate examinations.

The Board remanded the veteran's claims for restoration of a 40% rating for TBI and service connection for a right knee disability. The Board did not make any credibility findings at this juncture.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, left knee disability, left foot disability, and right ankle disability. The claim for esophageal disability is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's right and left elbow disabilities, right and left knee disabilities, and cervical spine disability. The decision was based on a lack of evidence showing that these conditions were related to service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for left and right knee instability were dismissed because the October 2020 rating decision was not final and appealable, and the veteran requested withdrawal of the claims.

The Board denied higher ratings for the veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis and unspecified anxiety disorder.

The veteran's increased rating for sleep disorders from April 26, 2022, to May 2, 2023, is granted. Service connection for migraines is also granted from April 26, 2022. Other issues are remanded.