Knee decisions — 2026

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for clarifying medical opinions regarding the etiology of arthritis and neuropathy, as well as addressing Dr. C.'s opinion on risk factors.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal due to being 100% disabled and did not want to continue with the hearing and appeal process.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for fissure in ano with hemorrhoids was granted, and he is now rated at 20 percent. The claim for an increased rating for left knee chondromalacia and proximal patellar tendinosis was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not in need of personal care services for a continuous six months due to an inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) or because he was in need of supervision, protection, or instruction. Therefore, eligibility for PCAFC benefits is denied.

The Board denied eligibility for benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) due to insufficient evidence showing that the Veteran is in need of personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee condition, right elbow condition, and right knee condition. The decision on left ankle condition is pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and increased ratings for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, but dismissed the appeal due to untimely filing of a Board Appeal request.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and hypertension. The hearing loss claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of adequate examination. The issues include service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression) and a right knee disability.

The Veteran's knee and ankle disabilities are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are secondary to his service-connected right toe disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a right above-the-knee amputation disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected residuals, removal of compound nevus left leg, with deep venous thrombosis disability. The decision is based on the evidence in 'approximate balance' or 'nearly equal' to the evidence standing against it.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) for aid and attendance from May 14, 2025 due to service-connected disabilities that rendered him in regular need of aid and assistance.

The Board has granted the severance of service connection for a right knee disability, effective January 29, 2020. The appeal is granted.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was presented to readjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right shoulder, lumbar spine, and cervical spine disabilities. However, these issues are being remanded due to procedural errors in obtaining a VA medical opinion.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to the Veteran not meeting the auditory threshold criteria. The claims of service connection for elbow, knee, shoulder, and left ankle disabilities are remanded as there may be outstanding service treatment records and VA treatment records that need to be obtained.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability was granted with an effective date of July 11, 2024.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected, while his chronic lumbar strain, limitation of flexion in the left knee, and athlete's foot are denied.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for bilateral hearing loss and increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities. The Veteran's current bilateral hearing impairment is not considered a disability for VA purposes due to the invalidity of audiometric test results in his left ear. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 (diabetes) and other conditions are also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression and right knee osteoarthritis, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right knee osteoarthritis status post meniscectomy for meniscus tear prior to June 20, 2024 is remanded. The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is also remanded.