Hip decisions — 2016

The Veteran's major depressive disorder and left hip disability (ankylosis of the right ankle) are found to be related to his service-connected residuals fracture right tibia and fibula. The Veteran is granted a 40 percent rating for residuals fracture right tibia and fibula, which is the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability was not incurred in service and denied his claims for service connection. The hip, shoulder, and foot drop disabilities were also denied as secondary to a pre-existing low back disability.

The Board has found that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current hip, leg, and low back disabilities. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his claims for increased ratings for left shoulder and left hip disabilities.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, right hip and right knee disabilities are related to his service. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's back disability is caused by his service-connected right knee disability.,The Veteran's liver disorder may be secondary to Ibuprofen use for pain management or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, right hip condition, and low back condition due to new evidence. The Veteran's alcohol abuse claim is denied as it is not a secondary result of an organic disease or disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his lumbar spine disability. The claim for service connection for bilateral hip disabilities will also be considered in light of any findings regarding his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has ordered additional development for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining private medical records and providing etiological opinions regarding his hip, shoulder, and joint pain disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for issuance of an SOC and further development, including review of the issues related to service connection. The claim for the left leg radiculopathy will be deferred until the intertwined issues are resolved or prepared for appellate consideration.

The Board has reopened the claims for right knee and right hip disabilities due to new evidence, but denied service connection as these conditions are not shown to be related to service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his low back condition and bilateral hip condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee and hip disabilities are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of any in-service injury or symptoms. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's left hip disability is aggravated by his service-connected right leg disability. The claim will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and to ensure all relevant records are considered. The issues of service connection for a left hip disability (claimed as secondary to right knee disability) and for shortness of breath (claimed as due to asbestos exposure in service) will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's right great toe disability is rated at 30 percent from November 19, 2008 to April 13, 2014. For his right hip disability, he received a 10 percent rating for limitation of extension and no rating for limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's dental disorder claim is denied as there is no indication of bone loss or disease that would qualify for VA compensation.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a current respiratory disability, and the Board finds that her bronchitis claim cannot be granted. The pre-service tubal ligation is presumed to have occurred prior to service.,The Veteran's gynecological disorder (loose clamp from a prior tubal ligation) claim is denied as there is no evidence of any current condition related to service, and the loose clip was likely not aggravated by service.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a current headache disability or bilateral hip disability that can be linked to service. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are therefore denied.,The Veteran's bilateral hip disability (claimed as a stress fracture) claim is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA examination reports and further development is required.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their relationship to his military service, as well as to determine the current severity of his service-connected right heel and left hip disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU due to incomplete development, including failure to adjudicate certain referred issues. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further action.