Knee decisions — 2026

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for her service-connected left knee disability has been withdrawn by the appellant or her authorized representative, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Veteran's asthma, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and impingement syndrome, right knee tendonitis, right knee tendinitis, left knee tendonitis, and left ear sensorineural hearing loss have been granted increased ratings. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition has been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and multiple orthopedic disabilities, have rendered her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since March 6, 2013.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral inguinal hernia, to include residual pain of status-post laparoscopic assisted bilateral inguinal hernia repair. The claims for right and left knee conditions have been remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection under Chapter 17 due to a full grant of benefits for PTSD. The appeal is now remanded for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefit records.

Your temporary total rating for right knee disability due to total right knee replacement has been granted in full. The benefit sought is now resolved.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the neck, right knee condition (claimed as arthritis), left knee condition (claimed as arthritis), left hip condition, right hip condition, and right hand condition. The appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's initial ratings for diabetes mellitus, bilateral knee surgical scars, and left hip osteoarthritis have been denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for left hip osteoarthritis has also been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is related to an injury he sustained during his active duty for training, and thus grants service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension have been dismissed due to concurrent election of review options. The appeal for numbness of the right foot is being remanded, as well as the claim involving a disability of the right shoulder, knee, ankle, and foot (to include consideration of gout).,The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending on remand.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted with an effective date of July 24, 2023. Claims for other conditions were denied.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for right knee osteoarthritis and instability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as there was no limitation of motion or other functional impairment warranting a higher rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to a disagreement with the determination that he does not need personal care services from another person for at least six continuous months. The Board requests an adequate medical opinion regarding his need for personal care and supervision.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person is granted due to his service-connected peripheral neuropathy and above-the-knee amputation.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, finding that there is at least an equipoise of evidence in favor of the Veteran's claim and resolving any doubt in their favor.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC higher than the (l) + (1/2) rate due to lack of anatomical loss or use of extremities, blindness, or permanent bedridden status.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability was denied in previous decisions, but the effective date of this award is being considered. The Board has determined that the earliest valid claim submitted by the Veteran is dated August 18, 2022, and thus an earlier effective date prior to August 18, 2022, cannot be granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically failing to provide a VA examination regarding the etiology of any left knee disabilities. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left knee disability and contends that it is related to injuries incurred during active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment prior to May 23, 2024.