Hip decisions — 2011

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen his service connection applications for right hip disability, left hip disability, bilateral knee disability, residuals of cold injury (feet), and diabetes mellitus. The appeal is based on new evidence that raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board found no evidence of a hip disorder in service and concluded that the Veteran's current trochanteric bursitis is not related to his military service.

The Veteran does not have a right hip disability that is the result of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated during active military service. The Board denied service connection for PTSD, and new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen this claim.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of the VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the left hip and low back disabilities are proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by any service-connected orthopedic disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and hip disabilities are pending.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain the Veteran's complete medical records, including those from Fort Devens and his private doctors. The Veteran is also scheduled for a VA orthopedic examination to determine if his current bilateral hip condition is related to service or his service-connected back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a bilateral hip disability will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and clarification of the issues before the Board.

The Veteran's service treatment records do not contain any diagnosis or complaints related to a left hip disability. The Board finds that there is no current disability for which service connection can be granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient records and scheduling a medical examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip disorder and left hip disability will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for psychiatric, cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral hip disabilities. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further examination and medical opinion regarding his right hip disability, which he claims is secondary to service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine. The RO must arrange for a VA orthopedic examination to determine if the current right hip disability is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the service-connected low back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current umbilical hernia is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's request to reschedule the hearing has been granted, and he has 90 days from the date of the letter to give notice that he is available for a new hearing. If he does not respond within 90 days, this case will be returned to the Board for appellate review.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hip disability as aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The claim for an increased rating for the lumbar spine disability is also granted, with a current rating of 20 percent.

The claim of service connection for a right hip disability remains in appellate status.,The claim of service connection for a bilateral foot disability has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.

The Veteran is granted service connection for a left knee disability and right hip disability as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. Service connection for head trauma residuals and left eye disability are not established.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but denied the remaining issues of bilateral hearing loss, right hip condition, and low back condition. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing right hip disability was aggravated by his service, particularly due to his duties as a tank operator and prolonged physical training.