Hip decisions — 2002

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the denial of service connection for right and left hip disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right hip disability, PTSD, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with arthritis. The decision also noted that new evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen these claims.

The veteran's service-connected low back, left foot, and right foot disabilities have been rated as 20%, 10%, and 10% respectively. The RO has denied increased ratings for all of these conditions.

The veteran withdrew his appeal, leaving no issues for the Board to consider.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left ankle and lumbar spine are denied, as they do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected residuals of right femur fracture with hip disability and arthritis, finding that his symptoms more nearly approximate the criteria for a 20 percent rating.

The veteran's claim for RH insurance and waiver of premiums on his existing RH policy was denied due to the lack of service connection for the disability in question.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a right hip disability due to new and material evidence. The Board will now address whether the current right hip disability is related to events that occurred during military service.