Hip decisions — 2014

The Board has granted service connection for a right hip disability and anemia, but denied the claims for service connection for residuals of a total hysterectomy, uterine fibroids, bilateral knee disabilities, and anemia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, foot, and neurological disabilities were denied. The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for left and right knee arthritis but has determined that there is no current disability of either hip or TMT joint. Service connection was not granted as the evidence does not establish a nexus to service.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right hip, and shortened right leg disabilities. The examination will assess whether these conditions are related to service or any other relevant factors.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, right hip disability, and left hip disability, finding that these conditions are related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the right wrist disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by military service, and arthritis may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The right knee and hip disorders did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for cervical dorsal strain and service connection for low back disability, right hip disability, and right knee disability were denied. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a right hip or right knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip disability, liver condition, and diabetes mellitus. The Board found that there was no evidence of these conditions during active service or within one year post-service, and thus could not be presumed to have been incurred in service. Additionally, the Board determined that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for secondary service connection as his current conditions were not caused by a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left hip, left knee, bilateral pes planus, right hip, and lumbar spine disabilities. The effective date was not addressed as this is an original claim filed by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a recognized disability from a disease or injury incurred in the line of duty during his period of ACDUTRA, and thus there is no basic entitlement to pension benefits. As such, the claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits must be denied as a matter of law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for back, left knee, and right knee disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or recurrent symptoms with respect to these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a left hip condition, finding that the Veteran's current hip disability is not associated with her service and that neither entitlement to service connection nor a VA examination as to its etiology was warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of hiatal hernia, ulcers, right hip disability, or left hip disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that there is no current hip or right ankle disability and thus, the basic eligibility criteria for service connection are not met with respect to these claims. Therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the duty to assist the Veteran has not been fully met with regard to his claims for service connection for bilateral hip and knee disabilities. The case is being remanded for another VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance. He is also entitled to a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing due to his permanent and total disability resulting from service-connected conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of an upper spine disability and granted a 60 percent rating for internal derangement of the left knee as of September 1, 2010. The secondary issue regarding hip disability is not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back and left hip disabilities as secondary to his service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities, finding no new and material evidence presented.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, vertigo, left hip disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied as there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence of these conditions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions and finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is related to service, and granted service connection for this condition. The left hip disability and shoulder disabilities are not found to be related to service.