Hip decisions — 2003

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for left ankle, right hip, and gastrointestinal disabilities. The case is being sent back to the RO for additional examination and review.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral knee and right hip disabilities are secondary to his service-connected spine disability.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disability, bilateral hip disability, and kidney disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service based on the current medical evidence of record. The veteran was denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant requires regular aid and attendance due to her diagnosed conditions, which necessitates additional special monthly death pension benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with hip disability and an increased rating for frontal sinusitis with allergic rhinitis.

The Board found that the veteran's current hip disability, including osteoarthritis, did not begin during or is causally linked to his service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a video hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right hip and left foot conditions, finding no evidence of current disabilities or a causal link to his military service. The initial rating for his back disorder is granted at 10%.

The veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for left knee disability is granted, and he is also granted secondary service connection for left hip disability as related to right knee instability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip disability and to reopen his claim for depression, finding no new and material evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's wrist and finger disability is not service-connected, but granted a 30% rating for his thyroidectomy residuals. The hip disability issue remains pending.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including obtaining clinical/hospitalization records from Letterman General Hospital and any private medical care providers that have evaluated or treated him for his claimed disabilities. The appeal is remanded to allow for this additional development.

The Board found that the veteran's left hip disability did not result from VA medical treatment, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board found that the appellant's left hip disability was incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a right foot, low back, and bilateral hip disabilities as secondary to his service-connected left ankle disability. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a left wrist, left hip, right knee, or right ankle disability related to his service. The claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected chondromalacia of the left knee and duodenal ulcer with hiatal hernia were also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right hip disability originated during his military service and is therefore granted service connection.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development and consideration of his claims, including the provision of proper notice and assistance.

The Board is reopening the claims for service connection for residuals of a head injury, including a visual disability, and for a disability of the left ulnar nerve, including post-traumatic numbness of the 4th and 5th digits. Additional development is needed to properly adjudicate these issues.