Hip decisions — 2003

The Board has granted service connection for Bowen's disease (gynecologic cancer), cervical spine disability, and right hip disability. The diagnoses are considered to be related to in-service trauma.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues regarding service connection for psychiatric disorder, left hip disability, and bilateral foot disability. The case is now remanded back to the RO for additional examinations and consideration.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination. The issues include TDIU, service connection for back, knee, and hip disabilities, increased ratings for bilateral hammertoe deformities, and a temporary total rating based on convalescence following surgery in April 2002.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for a low back disability has been submitted. However, additional development is required prior to making a decision on this issue.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for secondary service connection for a right hip disability, finding that it did not begin during or as a result of his service-connected left ankle condition.

The veteran's disabilities, including coronary artery disease rated at 100%, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to having other disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more.

The Board has determined that the RO did not comply with its remand instructions and is therefore remanding the case for further development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. C., x-ray reports from the Albany VAMC, and a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any hip disability.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support the claim of additional right hip and left knee disabilities due to staphylococcus bacteremia during or as a result of VA hospitalization in September 1991. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, major depression, chronic fatigue with loss of stamina and sex drive, a skin disorder, left shoulder tendonitis, and left hip condition. The evaluation for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss remains unchanged.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left leg and hip condition, finding no current disability. The right wrist ganglion cyst was rated as noncompensable under the old rating criteria.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities, including right hip and knee conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for any of her claimed hip or knee conditions, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. Therefore, she cannot establish service connection for any of her claims.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee disability, left ankle disability, and left hip disability secondary to the veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that it is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected right knee disability. The issue of secondary service connection for a right hip disability remains pending.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the case is dismissed.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her right hip disability, which has been rated as 30 percent disabling, is being remanded to the RO for further consideration after a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected left hip disability, finding that the evidence did not meet criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and new evidence. The case is now remanded for additional consideration.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and right hip disabilities as secondary to his service-connected residuals of a right knee injury due to lack of current disability.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to the veteran's service and denied all claims.