Hip decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right hip disabilities are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right ankle/leg disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right hip disabilities may be related to service based on her reports of symptoms during service and subsequent to service. As such, a new VA examination is required to determine if these conditions are at least as likely as not caused by or incurred in service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral hip condition and a lumbar spine condition, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions being related to his active duty service or secondary to his service-connected knee sprain.,Both conditions are not considered presumptively service connected due to lack of in-service onset or within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5055. The Board found that his symptoms of severe painful motion and weakness meet the criteria for this highest rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, leg, and arm disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The appeal is related to new evidence that reopened his claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than October 1, 2008 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The TDIU arose on October 1, 2008, when the Veteran stopped working. The effective date of October 1, 2008 is correct as it is the later of the date of claim and the date entitlement to a TDIU arose.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right hip disability is related to his active service.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's left forearm scar, left lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral pes planus, and IBS. The Veteran was also awarded a higher rating for his right shoulder disability and right knee degenerative joint disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to allegations of in-service hip condition and SSA disability compensation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back tendinitis and a bilateral hip condition, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for low back tendinitis and concluding that there is not sufficient evidence to establish service connection for the bilateral hip condition.

The claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, and headaches have been reopened.,The claims for service connection for myopia/astigmatism, bilateral knee disability, back disability, onychomycosis/dermatophytosis, neck disability, and scars on both sides of the nose were not reopened.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted effective February 28, 2015. His service-connected disabilities are found to be sufficient to render him unable to obtain and maintain any form of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining a substantially gainful occupation since July 20, 2010.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as right and left hip disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current diagnoses are etiologically related to his parachute jumps during active duty.,Service connection was also granted for obstructive sleep apnea, with the opinion stating it is aggravated by a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for a right hip disability and his request for financial assistance, finding that his pre-existing condition did not worsen during ACDUTRA service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right hip and right knee disabilities are not related to his military service or any service-connected conditions, including his left knee arthritis. As such, the claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is service-connected, and his right hip condition is secondary to his bilateral knee disability. The decision grants these claims.

The Board denied service connection for a left hip disability and the claim for an initial, noncompensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding service connection and additional VA treatment records should be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including clarification of functional limitations related to his service-connected disabilities.