Hip decisions — 2007

The veteran's right hip disability was initially rated at 10 percent from May 31, 2002. It was later increased to 30 percent effective July 1, 2005.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral foot disability, left hip, knee, and ankle disabilities, as well as a skin condition, were denied by the RO. The decision did not address the issue of service connection based on exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, Gulf War Syndrome, or other presumptive conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of secondary service connection for the veteran's cervical spine disability or bilateral hip disability, as they are not caused by his service-connected low back condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation greater than 10 percent for his service-connected right hip bone spur with arthritis.,The Board also denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left hip disability, claimed as secondary to his service-connected right hip disability.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and a left hip disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining more recent medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has established service connection for a left hip disability but not for a right hip disability.

The Board found that the veteran's current right hip disability existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for HIV infection and a right hip disability, finding that there is no evidence of such conditions being related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed hip, ankle, and back disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral defective hearing, but denied service connection for all other conditions due to lack of new and material evidence.