Knee decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeals for various disabilities were dismissed due to their death during the appeal process.

The Board has determined that the VA examination provided in December 2011 was inadequate for determining the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's service-connected right knee strain. The Board therefore remands the case to obtain a new examination.

The Veteran's hypertension, hypothyroidism, gastritis and GERD, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and arthritis, right knee arthritis and shin splints have been granted service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active service.,Service connection for recurrent right shoulder disability (osteoarthritis) and recurrent left shoulder disability (osteoarthritis) is remanded as the evidence does not clearly establish their onset in service.

The Veteran's back, right knee, left knee, and neck disabilities have been granted service connection. The evaluation for the lumbosacral strain with intervertebral disc syndrome has been restored to 20 percent effective May 6, 2019.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for PTSD or any other diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, and therefore service connection is denied. The Board also found remand necessary for further examination of the left knee condition, OSA, left ankle condition, and right ankle condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and bilateral hearing loss. The RO failed in its duty to assist by not treating these as increased rating claims rather than service connection claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not substantially contribute to his employment handicap, and he had the necessary education, skills, and experience to obtain suitable employment. Therefore, VR&E benefits were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and denied service connection for left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as right and left hip strain. The evidence is in equipoise regarding the relationship between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all listed conditions was dismissed due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a skin condition, gonorrhea and any residuals, right and left ankle disabilities, mesothelioma (shortness of breath), and bilateral hearing loss have been denied. The Board found no current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded both the left and right knee service connection claims due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's current knee disabilities are presumed to be related to his active duty service.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus and hypertension prior to August 10, 2022 on a direct basis.,Service connection is denied for CFS, respiratory disorder other than obstructive sleep apnea, GERD, left hand disorder, right hand disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and left hip disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of various lower extremity disabilities, including right knee, right ankle, left ankle, right foot, and left foot disabilities, due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee osteoarthritis and instability have been denied. The evidence does not support the assignment of higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's left knee arthritis, effective from when the appeal was filed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's right knee subluxation and instability during the period from January 29, 2014, to September 27, 2019. Additional development is required to obtain a retrospective opinion addressing this issue.

The Veteran's right index finger disability and right knee disability are not service connected, but the Veteran is granted increased ratings for his lumbar strain and TDIU benefits.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back and right knee conditions due to incomplete medical records, including lack of documentation from Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty for Training (INACDUTRA).