Hip decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for low back, hip, and left ankle disabilities claimed as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability due to lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left hip condition, lumbar spine disability, or right hip condition. The issues of service connection for lumbar spine and right hip disabilities are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and a hip disability as there was no evidence of current disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, left hip disability, and right ankle disability. These conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's left hip disability is rated at 10% from March 3, 2017. The appeal for higher ratings remains pending and will be remanded to allow for further evaluation. Recurrent vaginal pain is also an issue on appeal and will be remanded as well.

The Board has determined that more information is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA examinations and opinions regarding the etiology of his psychiatric disabilities, sickle cell trait, back disability, hip disability, knee disability, loss of use of bilateral lower extremities, TDIU, and DEA.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss and has remanded the issue of service connection for left hip condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient examination reports and failure to consider all relevant evidence.

The Veteran's CAD, peripheral vascular disease, depressive disorder NOS, and right leg tendonitis are all granted as secondary to service-connected conditions. The arthritis and hip disabilities were denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis or continuity of symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hip condition and breathing condition, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran became unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities on September 15, 2012. His TDIU was granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for paranasal sinus condition, allergic rhinitis, diabetes mellitus, right hip disability, and thyroid condition are all denied. The claim for service connection for a paranasal sinus condition is granted as new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examinations and evaluations to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions, including PTSD, migraine headaches, right hip disability, ventricular arrhythmia, and tinnitus. The effective date for service connection remains January 24, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, but denied claims for other conditions including cervical spine, hip, and foot disabilities. The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various knee, shoulder, back, and ankle disabilities have been granted. However, the Board has found that additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete medical records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various disabilities, including middle back, cervical spine, bilateral hip, knee, and ankle disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back, right hip, and sinus disabilities due to in-service injuries or conditions.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, left hip, and bilateral knee disabilities as they are not shown to be related to the Veteran's active service or his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, rating increases, and TDIU due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a supplemental medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's back and right hip disabilities are at least as likely as not proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected abnormalities in gait.