Hip decisions — 2006

The VA has granted an increased disability rating of 50% for the veteran's right hip disability, status-post total hip replacement, effective January 5, 2004. The previous evaluation was 30%.

The veteran's service-connected bursitis of the left shoulder, residuals of fracture is currently rated at 10 percent and his low back disability was not found to be related to service or a service-connected condition. The claim for increased rating for the left hip disability is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities of his hips or ankles due to stress fractures sustained during service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, right knee, and right index finger disabilities due to a lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability and denied all other issues on appeal. The Board found that new evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim, but did not find any direct or secondary service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for kidney disorder, benign prostatic hypertrophy, TMJ pain, left hip disability, and low back disability due to a lack of medical evidence showing current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including an examination of the left hip and consideration of whether any current left hip disability is etiologically related to service or the service-connected right ankle sprain.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, left hip, and cervical spine disabilities as there was no evidence of a chronic disorder in service or that any current disability is etiologically related to service.