Hip decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain is rated at 10 percent, and the Board denied his claims for left hip disability and sciatica. The evidence did not show sufficient impairment to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle, right hip, low back, and diabetes mellitus disabilities. However, further development is needed to ensure all relevant medical records are obtained and to provide a thorough examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left lower extremity disability due to service, but his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine warrants an initial rating of 20 percent. The anxiety disorder is rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and right hip disabilities were denied. His TDIU claim was added to the appeal but is not addressed in this decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and review, including reopening of a previously denied claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a bilateral hip disability or low back disability due to service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claim for an increased disability rating for scars of the right mid back of neck. The Board is unable to readjudicate the remaining claims as it lacks jurisdiction over them.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA medical examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed bilateral heel stress fractures and related disabilities.