Hip decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection reopening, and TDIU were denied. The claim to reopen the bilateral hip disability was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's left hip disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not etiologically related to service or a service-connected condition. The claim for sleep apnea secondary to service-connected conditions was denied due to inadequate reasoning.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the likelihood of aggravation of his pre-existing left hip disability during service and for any necessary secondary service connection determinations.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.,The Veteran does not have a current right hip disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability, with a history of instability and degenerative changes post-total knee arthroplasty, is rated at 30 percent. A separate 10 percent rating for instability was granted prior to February 9, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and bilateral hip disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, including his right foot heel spur with plantar fasciitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's chronic abdominal soreness is related to his military service, specifically the 1997 stab wounds and subsequent repair of left hemidiaphragm. The right hip disability issue remains unresolved.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND that follows.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right hip disabilities are secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing and issuance of an SOC on several issues. The claims of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral hip disability are currently before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed bilateral hip disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including providing a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for DM and PTSD, as well as for low back disability. The Veteran's other claims are pending further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examination reports and new evidence.

The Veteran's right hip disability, including osteoarthritis and total right hip arthroplasty with residuals, is found to be service-connected. The Board also granted service connection for left hip, back, bilateral knee, and bilateral ankle disabilities as secondary to the right hip disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a left knee disability, including as secondary to service-connected right total knee arthroplasty associated with lateral meniscal tear of the right knee with degenerative arthritis (right knee disability).,Service connection is granted for a left knee disability as secondary to service-connected right knee disability.,Service connection is also granted for a left hip disability as secondary to service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hip disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to her military service and her service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's claim for reentrance into a vocational rehabilitation services program was denied as he is currently capable of performing his job position and the occupation itself is suitable to his current needs.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence, particularly regarding secondary service connection.