Hip decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of hearing loss or eye problems in service and insufficient medical opinion to support a link between current conditions and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no current diagnosed sinusitis or evidence of a service-connected condition. The RO granted service connection in April 2001 but did not address the issues on appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities meeting the criteria for higher ratings or service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus of the left foot, and left knee and hip disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and providing VCAA notice.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, bilateral wrist and hip disabilities, hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo with dizziness and nausea, and severe headaches. The evidence does not support a current diagnosis or finding of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the current status of the veteran's claimed disabilities and their relationship to service. The veteran also needs to provide authorization for private medical records from his treatment at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, Florida.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hip disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The need for regular aid and attendance due to a service-connected condition is also denied.

The veteran's right hip disability is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a higher rating. The issue of SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound remains pending as the claim was referred to the RO. DEA benefits under Chapter 35 are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, knee, and ankle disabilities secondary to his left ankle disability. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of a left ankle fracture is being remanded.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development, including a VA examination and opinion to determine the nature and etiology of any current right hip condition. The veteran's service records show treatment for right hip conditions during his period of active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability but denied service connection for a left hip disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a bilateral hip disability and hearing loss, including as due to medication. The evidence does not establish an in-service injury or disease that caused these conditions.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple foot and knee disabilities, as well as a headache disorder. The right hip disability is not found to be service-connected or related to other conditions. Ratings of 10% are assigned for the left foot bone spur with plantar fasciitis, right foot heel spur with plantar fasciitis, and residuals of a right knee injury with degenerative changes. A separate rating of 30% is granted for migraine headaches. The umbilical herniorrhaphy residuals receive a 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and notification under the VCAA, including a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his shell fragment wound residuals of the right thigh and limitation of adduction of the right hip, finding that the current disabilities did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current bilateral hip disability and his service or any service-connected condition, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and hip disabilities as secondary to his service-connected right ankle trauma are being remanded due to incomplete VCAA notice, inadequate medical evidence of record, and the need for further examination.

The veteran's lumbar spine disorder and right hip disability are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his service-connected gunshot wound residuals.

The veteran's claims for service connection and higher initial disability ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current liver disease or other claimed conditions, and the veteran did not provide sufficient evidence to establish service connection.