Knee decisions — 2026

The appeal for right knee surgical scars is dismissed. The appeals for increased ratings of the hip disabilities are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PFB, left knee strain, and cervical neck muscular strain. The claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations and service connection have been denied. The appeal is remanded for further evaluation on the issues of service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate opinions on etiology and a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

Your appeal for service connection of a right knee disorder has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The Board cannot make a decision on this matter as it is no longer pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right knee disorder is aggravated by his service-connected left knee disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examinations and failure to consider additional functional loss. The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease is currently rated at 20 percent, but he seeks a higher rating.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's VA compensation benefits to a 5% rate effective November 1, 2016 was proper due to his incarceration for more than 60 days following conviction of a felony offense. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for right and left ear hearing loss, as well as a higher rating for left knee strain. The Board has dismissed these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for cervical spine strain, lumbosacral strain with associated sciatica, bilateral hip and knee disabilities, chronic ankle disabilities, foot problems, hypertension, migraine headaches, MDD, and PTSD due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to obtain examinations or opinions where the low threshold of McLendon was met.

The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, cervical neck strain, left knee with torn meniscus, and erectile dysfunction are denied.,The Veteran's claim for PTSD is remanded as there was a duty to assist error in failing to obtain an opinion regarding cannabis use disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The current ratings for knee strains, ankle sprains, and shoulder conditions remain unchanged.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's left knee disability may be related to his service-connected right knee disability and is remanding for further examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot condition, sleep apnea, stomach condition (claimed as stomach issues), right ankle pain, lumbosacral strain, and left knee strain due to lack of current disability evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete service treatment records and a need to address lay statements regarding in-service injuries. The AOJ is instructed to obtain complete service treatment records, correct any duty-to-assist errors, and provide an addendum opinion on whether the Veteran's current lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are related to heavy, repetitive lifting from his military duties.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for effective dates prior to June 10, 2022, for service connection of various conditions. The appeal is also remanded for further action on some issues.

The Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal regarding his service-connected left knee strain.

The Veteran's right knee strain and right shoulder strain with rotator cuff tendonitis are related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions. The lower back and left knee disabilities remain under review.

The Veteran's PTSD rating is restored to 50 percent, but his other orthopedic disabilities remain in dispute and require further review.,His cervical strain, DJD of the left knee, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis are all rated below their maximum possible ratings due to lack of evidence showing they meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings.