Hip decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disability and left leg peripheral vascular disease were granted, effective November 15, 2006. The effective dates are the earliest date on which it is factually ascertainable that a claim for benefits under laws administered by VA was received.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a Travel Board hearing due to his inability to attend the previously scheduled hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The claims of service connection for various disabilities, including those related to Agent Orange exposure, will be processed after the hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left foot, low back, and hip disabilities. The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of a left hip disability should be April 25, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities did not manifest in service or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental opinion from the May 2013 VA examiner or providing another examination if necessary.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and left hip disabilities need further review due to missing Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The case is being remanded for these records to be obtained.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to a hearing officer's retirement and the need for another Travel Board hearing.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's low back condition, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and left hip disability are related to service.,Service connection for a low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and left hip disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder, has been reopened. The Board also remanded the issues of bilateral hearing loss and chronic tinnitus for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference Board hearing at the RO. The issues include service connection claims and initial evaluation requests.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed low back, cervical spine, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities are not service-connected as they were not incurred or aggravated during his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination regarding the Veteran's neck disability. The issues of service connection for neck and hip disabilities are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD was withdrawn. The Board also found that the Veteran does not have a current right hip disability and denied his claim of service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's bilateral hip disability to his active duty service.,The VA examination report confirmed that the Veteran had a congenital deviated septum, which was not related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and left hip disability, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's in-service injuries.,A separate award of compensation for bilateral lower extremity radicular pain is referred to the AOJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, bilateral hip, lumbar and cervical spine, and right ankle disabilities are all service-connected as they are causally related to trauma sustained during active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's PVD, bilateral hip disability, and arthritis of the left knee were not incurred or caused by his military service. The disabilities are also not secondary to any service-connected conditions.

The Board found the June 2013 VA examination report to be inadequate due to its failure to acknowledge earlier treatment records and discuss previous opinions.