Knee decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for annual clothing allowances for topical medications Urea 20% cream and Clobetasol propionate were denied as the evidence did not show that he used these medications for a service-connected skin condition.,The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance for Diclofenac was denied because it is not prescribed for a service-connected skin disability, but rather for muscle pain related to his musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence. The Board found that the Veteran was exposed to noise in service, but there is no persuasive medical evidence linking his current tinnitus to this exposure.,Service connection for right knee joint osteoarthritis with strain and thoracolumbar sprain with degenerative arthritis and IVDS has been denied as there is no persuasive medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that there was a predecisional duty to assist error in the VA's decision and remanded for further development, including obtaining an adequate medical opinion regarding the Veteran's right foot amputation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, including meniscal tear (surgically repaired), osteoarthritis, and lateral collateral ligament strain, is related to service. Service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 30, 2021. The effective date was not granted as there was no factually ascertainable increase in his service-connected disabilities within one year of the TDIU claim.

An increased rating to 50 percent disabling for bilateral plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia with osteoarthritis is granted effective August 21, 2019.,A compensable rating for left knee limitation of extension prior to August 15, 2022 is denied.,A separate rating for right knee genu recurvatum under DC 5263 from August 21, 2019 is granted.,An earlier effective date for service connection for right knee peroneal nerve condition prior to August 15, 2022 is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities prior to specific dates, with a focus on discounting the effects of medication.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic right knee pain, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to her active service and exacerbated by her service-connected disabilities. The decision is based on lay evidence and medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss and respiratory disorder. The claims for right knee disability and right ear hearing loss are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an adequate VA medical opinion addressing the Veteran's left knee disability history.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities are remanded for additional examination and rating considerations.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bronchial asthma, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, right hand arthritis, left hand arthritis, and a left hip condition due to insufficient VA medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left knee limitation of flexion and extension are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,A VA examiner is required to provide an opinion regarding the ameliorative effects of pain medication on the Veteran's left knee condition.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), to include organic brain damage and post-concussive disorder, but remanded the issue of service connection for left knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee injury and denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss from March 26, 2013. The TDIU claim is remanded due to incomplete documentation.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various knee, back, hand, and ankle disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions.

The Board has vacated the portion of its decision that denied increased ratings for the Veteran's left knee disability based on flexion. The issues related to this denial are now remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for various conditions including a right knee disorder, right wrist disorder, right shoulder nerve disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The AOJ is required to provide notice concerning the appellant's right to a hearing under 38 C.F.R. �� 3.103(b)(1) and (d)(1).

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her left knee and lumbar spine disabilities have been remanded. The Board denied service connection for left ear hearing loss, residuals of status post left knee surgeries, and a left knee surgical scar as they were not shown to be related to active military service.

The Veteran's appeal of a proposed reduction in the disability rating for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome from 20 percent to 10 percent is dismissed because it was not an actual decision, but merely a proposal.