Hip decisions — 2004

The RO denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of left hip disability, stating that the previous determinations were not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection of a spine disability and bilateral hip disability, both secondary to his service-connected right knee replacement. The evidence did not support a finding that these disabilities were related to or aggravated by his service-connected right knee condition.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current left hip disability and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left hip disability, finding no evidence of such a condition in service or post-service records. The Board also found that any current left hip disability is not related to his right ankle sprain.

The Board found that the appellant's current right knee and right hip disabilities were not incurred in service or due to a service-connected condition. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions are unrelated to his service-connected residuals of right ankle dislocation.

The veteran is seeking service connection for low back, right leg, and right hip disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate these claims.

The Board finds that the veteran's low back disability is not service-connected, and his right hip disability claim cannot be decided without additional evidence.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's low back disability and right hip disability, including whether they are related to service.

The Board has denied the secondary service connection claim for a left hip disability, but granted restoration of a 40% rating for the right thigh muscle injury and denied an increased rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of a fracture of the left femur and service connection for a right hip disability, finding that there was no current evidence of such disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a left hip disability, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the November 18, 1985 rating decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for reopening his hip and knee disability service connection claims, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are not legally merited, as there is no evidence of a left knee arthroscopy or related residuals during his military service. The right wrist disability claim will be remanded to determine if an increased rating is warranted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip disability and lumbar spine disability, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for compliance with the VCAA and further medical examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a video teleconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a right hip disability, which she contends is due to her altered gait from favoring her service-connected left hip. The RO has not provided a VA examination to determine the diagnosis and etiology of any right hip condition.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the relationship between the veteran's seizure disorder and hip disability with his military service, including considering potential exposure to herbicides or head trauma.