Hip decisions — 2016

The Board has remanded the case due to inextricably intertwined service connection claims for a low back disability and a left hip disability. The AOJ must first adjudicate the low back disability claim before considering the left hip disability claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for preparation of an SOC and consideration of his claims, including TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to June 10, 1996 for the grant of service connection and separate 10 percent ratings for right and left hip disabilities is denied as his free-standing claim for an effective date earlier than June 10, 1996 is not authorized by law.

The Board has granted service connection for a psychiatric disability. The claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and COPD are denied as the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed back, hip, knee, and ankle disabilities did not have onset during active service or within one year of service discharge. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for examinations to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's right knee and hip disabilities, as well as his hypertension. The claims will be readjudicated following this development.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development is needed before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claim for service connection of his left hip disability.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records, including SSA records and VA treatment records. A new/updated VA medical examination for aid and attendance and/or housebound status is needed due to the Veteran's assertions at his hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have residuals of a head injury, arthritis of the left hip was not shown in service or for many years thereafter and is not related to service. The Veteran's current left leg condition other than a left hip disability has also not been shown during the course of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for hypertension, and there is no evidence of an in-service event or injury related to this condition. The VA examiner found no direct relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to determine if the Veteran's right hip disability and acquired psychiatric disability are related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for a bilateral hip disability and her right knee patellofemoral syndrome is less likely than not incurred in or caused by active duty service. The claim for secondary service connection was also denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the service-connected pubic ramus stress fractures with residual pubic symphysis and the current right knee disability.

The Board has ordered additional development of the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including left shoulder, thigh, low back, and hip disabilities. The case is being remanded to allow for a thorough review of VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims of service connection for heart disease, including arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease with paroxysmal tachycardia arrthymia (previously characterized as tachycardia), back disability, and bilateral hip disability. However, these claims are still denied on their merits.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine and left hip disabilities, finding that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of these conditions at any point during or prior to the pendency of his claims. The Board also found that there was no evidence linking these disabilities to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have right hip disability or bilateral hammertoes that are service-connected, as these conditions did not develop during his periods of active military service and there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current disabilities and his service. The Veteran's discharge from his most recent period of service was under other than honorable conditions, which bars him from VA benefits for this period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claims of service connection for bilateral non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy with legal blindness, right hip disability, and skin disability. The VA will provide a new examination and obtain any necessary medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and opinions regarding specific diagnoses and their relationship to service.