Hip decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for lower back and left hip disabilities, finding that they are not directly related to the Veteran's active military service. However, secondary service connection was granted as both conditions are linked to his service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease.,For TDIU, the Veteran did not meet the schedular requirements due to having more than one service-connected disability with a combined rating below 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no current diagnosis of a disability related to his active duty service. The evidence did not establish an in-service injury or disease, and the disabilities found are not shown to be causally related to his military service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disability and right hip disability, including whether they are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (previously claimed as a right hip condition) as secondary to the service-connected lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his back disability.

The Veteran's low back, left hip, and right hip conditions are not found to be related to service or the service-connected left knee condition.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not found to be related to service. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability.,The Veteran has been determined to need regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip disability, left hip disability, and chronic disability manifested by chest pain (myositis) as there is no evidence of a current disability during or in proximity to the appeal period.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back disability, right hip disability, and left hip disability due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's right elbow, left hip, and right hip disabilities are secondary to his service-connected thoracolumbar spine tendonitis. The Board is remanding these claims for further development.,The Veteran's left shoulder disability is not linked to any service-connected condition. The Board is also remanding this claim for further development.,The Veteran's right knee, bilateral foot pes planus, left foot hallux valgus, and right foot hallux valgus disabilities are all considered direct service connection cases. The Board is remanding these claims as well for further development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities, including knee, shoulder, hip, and psychiatric conditions. The Veteran's claims are being referred back for additional development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's low back and left hip disabilities are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The VA must provide an addendum opinion addressing this issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right hand condition, refractive error and blepharitis (vision problems), bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine condition, lumbar spine condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, left hip condition, right hip condition, and psychiatric disorder. The decision also remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee status post total replacement, back condition, and left hip condition. The claims for right foot and left foot conditions are remanded.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection of a right hip disability. The Veteran's petition to reopen was denied, and his claims for increased ratings were remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for low back disability, bilateral hip disabilities, GERD, and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran is also facing a remand for his TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for bilateral hip disability and low back disability, as well as his TDIU claim due to service-connected disabilities. The issues will be further evaluated with additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's hip disability is service connected as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed to determine the current status of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and left hip disabilities, as well as their relationship to service. The claims for service connection will be remanded.

The Board denied service connection for left elbow, right elbow, left hip, and right hip disabilities. The Veteran's PTSD with cognitive disorder and TBI was also denied an increased rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various disabilities and whether new evidence supports reopening a claim. The case is returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for left hand disability, left hip disability, psychiatric disability, recurrent anemia, and increased ratings for lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims are also inextricably intertwined with the issue of entitlement to TDIU prior to December 8, 2006.