Knee decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The Board found no factual basis to grant earlier effective dates.,The Veteran was granted a TDIU and DEA eligibility effective September 15, 2022.

The Veteran's left shoulder acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis was not shown as chronic in service and did not manifest to a compensable degree within the applicable presumptive period; and the disability is not otherwise etiologically related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear with degenerative arthritis could have manifested during service, within one year of service, or be otherwise related to service. The remanded opinion will determine this.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for further evaluation due to insufficient opinions regarding its relationship to his service-connected disabilities and obesity.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, along with other disabilities, has rendered them unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board granted the TDIU rating based on this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of GERD was denied as the evidence did not show a history of recurrent esophageal stricture requiring dilatation no more than two times per year.,The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for left and right knee instability, and remanded these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's eligibility for enrollment in the PCAFC is remanded due to inadequate reasoning and failure to discuss relevant evidence, including VA examination reports and medical opinions.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error by the AOJ, as there are no VA medical examinations or opinions for the claimed disabilities. The Veteran's private medical opinion supports a finding of service connection.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of service connection for left shoulder disabilities and bilateral knee disabilities, finding that November 20, 2018 is the earliest possible effective date.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and CUE claims were dismissed due to procedural issues, including untimely notices of disagreement.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus, as it was incurred during service due to exposure to loud noise.,Service connection is denied for left knee patella tendon tear (status post repair), as the current condition did not have its onset during a period of honorable service and is not otherwise etiologically related to active service.

The Veteran's attorney requested to withdraw the appeal regarding an effective date prior to October 6, 2020, for the grant of service connection for left knee strain. The Board dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 28, 2009. The Board has granted TDIU from that date.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to the Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities on a causation basis, with obesity as an intermediate step.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for increased ratings of his left knee flexion, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and DJD, and left knee extension have been dismissed as they are freestanding claims that lack legal merit.,These claims were previously addressed in final rating decisions and cannot be reopened without a request for revision based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings for various knee disabilities and entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) due to the need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran needs additional VA examinations to determine the severity of her service-connected knee disabilities, including whether she requires assistance with daily activities.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and dependency benefits was denied, as the contesting claimant is not eligible for direct payment of fees from past due benefits awarded in a May 20, 2024 decision granting the Veteran an additional dependent for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and temporary total evaluation for left knee surgery due to incomplete records, need for a VA medical opinion, and inextricability of the two issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU based on these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's arthritis is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to a lack of VA examinations and consideration of all relevant evidence, including his National Guard service.