Hip decisions — 2017

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's bilateral hip disability was caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's left hip disability did not originate in service or within a year of service, is not otherwise etiologically related to his active service, and was not caused or chronically worsened by a service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding no current disabilities or evidence of in-service injury. The Veteran was also denied service connection for a cracked facial bone under the right eye.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development and the need for additional examinations. The claims will be reviewed again after all requested records are obtained.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right and left hip disabilities, as well as his bilateral knee disability, did not manifest in service or within the first post-service year. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions. Service connection on a secondary basis is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a back and hip disability, as new and material evidence was not received. The issue of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for hearings and notification. The claims of reopening service connection for depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address issues of service connection and rating for a bilateral hip disability, bowel incontinence, and low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and bilateral hip disability, as well as his claim for an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction, are all denied.

The Veteran's claims for neck, hip, and right large toe disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining VA treatment records and providing nexus opinions.

The Veteran's protein deficiency syndrome has been denied. The effective dates for service connection of left knee meniscus tear and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease have also been denied as they are not earlier than the date claims were filed.

The Veteran's claims for right hip, knee and leg shortening disabilities are being remanded as additional VA examinations are needed to determine their etiology. The service connection theory is secondary due to the service-connected right leg disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's right toe condition is not related to service, as it was diagnosed as tinea pedis and there is no evidence of a cold injury or chronic fungal infection during service. The left hip and left knee conditions are also not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hip, knee, and spine disabilities. The claims will be reviewed on a de novo basis.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for right arm, hand and hip disabilities allegedly caused by VA treatment. The case is being remanded to provide a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current conditions are related to his prior VA treatment.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental opinion from an orthopedic specialist to determine the etiology of the Veteran's right hip disability, including whether it is related to service or his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left hip disability related to an in-service hematoma and has granted service connection based on secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations and opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection. The case is therefore being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and further medical opinions.