Knee decisions — 2026

The Board has denied service connection for right ear hearing loss and has remanded the issues of left ear hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus (secondary to left ear hearing loss), right hip pain, and right knee pain.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically regarding the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease and right ankle osteoarthritis, finding that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection of low back and right knee disabilities has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for further medical examination. The issues include right foot osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, thoracic spondylosis and lumbosacral region disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left leg neuropathy, and right leg neuropathy.

The Veteran's headaches, thoracolumbar spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability are all granted as service-connected.,All issues related to the Veteran's claimed disabilities have been resolved in his favor.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection of a back disability and right knee disability due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a separate rating of limitation of flexion of the right knee was denied. The Board found that January 23, 2009 is the earliest date that it is factually ascertainable that the Veteran experienced painful motion of his right knee to warrant such a rating.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for instability of the right knee was also denied. The Board determined that the evidence did not show persistent instability requiring a prescription for assistive devices or bracing.

The Board has determined that there are errors in the decision-making process related to obtaining and considering certain medical records, conducting appropriate examinations, and providing a comprehensive assessment of the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded for these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for low back arthritis, left knee arthritis, and left hip arthritis. The issues of service connection for sciatic nerve pain, high blood pressure, and right arm skin cancer are remanded due to the failure to obtain VA examinations or opinions.

The Board has granted a higher level of SMC at the rate payable under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(t) for the Veteran's service-connected TBI residuals, finding that they require a 'higher level of care' and necessitate nursing home care without regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that there were duty to assist errors in obtaining VA treatment records and medical opinions for the Veteran's left shoulder, neck, and left elbow issues. The claims are being remanded to correct these errors.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis and left knee MCL strain are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, a right knee disability (to include as secondary to a right ankle disability), bilateral hearing loss, and sinusitis are remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need to undergo additional examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of right knee strain, finding that there is a medical opinion in favor of a nexus between his current condition and his time in active service.

Service connection is granted for urethral stricture condition, left foot plantar fasciitis, right foot plantar fasciitis, and left ankle condition as secondary to service-connected left knee condition.,Service connection is remanded for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erectile dysfunction due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, right patella disability, and right knee disability are granted as service-connected due to their onset in service and continuity of symptoms.

The Veteran's migraines are rated at 50% and her patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right and left knees remain at 10%. The case is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination considering the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed bilateral ankle disability, bilateral knee disability, left foot disability, and fractures of the right foot bones. The claims will be remanded for these purposes.