Knee decisions — 2026

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in its August 2024 decision regarding the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's right knee disability is being reviewed again.

The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to lumbar spine DDD and spinal stenosis with right neural foraminal narrowing at L5-S1, finding no current diagnosis of ED.,The Board also denied service connection for left knee strain as secondary to lumbar spine DDD and spinal stenosis with right neural foraminal narrowing at L5-S1, concluding that the condition did not begin in service or be related to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and the appeal for a higher rating is denied. The case of service connection for OSA is remanded due to insufficient opinion on secondary service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of infections and breathing issues, left shoulder condition, middle back strain, traumatic brain injury, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and right knee strain as these claims have been granted in full. The appeal for service connection of vertigo is being remanded.

Your clothing allowance for the year 2022 has been approved. The appeal is dismissed as your claim has already been resolved in your favor.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for sleep apnea, bilateral shoulder conditions, bilateral knee conditions, bilateral ankle conditions, and vertigo.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, right wrist strain, right elbow strain, and right shoulder strain. The decision is based on the Veteran's statements of in-service onset and continued symptoms since service.

The Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as a strain, is granted service connection because the evidence supports that it was incurred during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his right ankle, right knee, and left knee disabilities is being remanded due to the use of goniometer in range of motion testing during VA examinations.,The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disability remains under review.

The Veteran's OSA is rated at 50 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The Veteran was granted TDIU from July 19, 2021, but no earlier due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from gainful employment. He also received eligibility for DEA since July 19, 2021.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and failure to consider all theories of entitlement.

The Veteran's cervical spine DDD and IVDS are rated at 30% prior to September 28, 2021, but not higher.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease is rated at 10% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's vasomotor rhinitis is rated at 10% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), Hiatal Hernia and Diverticulitis are rated at 30%.

The Veteran's right hip disability is granted as service-connected due to aggravation during active duty. As of July 1, 2024, he receives a 60% rating for his total right knee replacement surgery. The Board also grants an increased initial rating of 30% for his right knee patellar instability prior to January 24, 2024. He is granted an earlier effective date for service connection on the right knee scar and special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to errors in obtaining his complete service treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature of his toxic exposure and the relationship between his current disabilities and active duty.

The Board has decided that the Veteran is not eligible for enrollment in the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) due to his current service-connected conditions and lack of need for personal care services. The decision is being remanded because the medical opinion supporting this decision appears to be legally inadequate.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his foot and knee disabilities, as well as their relationship to service. The AOJ must provide an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for various conditions, including kidney stones, shoulder injuries, foot and ankle issues, and back problems. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the severity of his service-connected knee and shoulder disabilities during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, and right hand condition due to a lack of adequate medical opinions in the original decision.

The Veteran's left knee condition and right shoulder tendonitis have been granted service connection. The decision on the right shoulder issue is pending as there are no records available from her North Carolina Army National Guard service.