Hip decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left hip and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the retrieval of outstanding treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, bilateral hip condition, and bilateral ankle condition due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA is required to obtain new opinions from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, migraines, left knee degenerative joint disease and tendonitis/tendinosis, right shoulder disability, right hip disability, and bilateral leg disability (knees, left hip) have been granted service connection. The Veteran's arm condition/tingling is not considered a separate issue as it is related to the left shoulder.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,The Veteran's left hip replacement is service connected.,Service connection for the right hip condition, secondary to the left hip replacement, is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a lack of proper examination for his service-connected right hip condition, and the need to obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including a cardiological disability and psychiatric disability (including PTSD), lumbosacral strain, neck disability, right lower leg/calf disability, right and left thigh disability, right wrist disability, right and left shoulder disability, left and right hip disability, and left and right knee disability are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence showing the presence of bilateral hearing loss for VA purposes. The Veteran's claims for right hip disability, right ankle condition, bronchitis, skin disfigurement due to surgical scars, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including affective disorder, anxiety disorder, and alcohol use disorder) are remanded as there is insufficient evidence on file.

The Veteran's hypertension and abnormal EKG claims have been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.,Right and left hip disabilities are granted as they are considered undiagnosed illnesses manifested during service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right hip disabilities. The Veteran was provided with a VA Hip and Thigh Conditions examination, but her abnormal gait and limping documented before and after the examination were not considered in the opinion. Therefore, she should be provided with another VA examination which considers these instances of abnormal gait and limping.

The Board denied service connection for a hip condition and bilateral knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits information. The Veteran is also reminded to provide any relevant private medical records.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for infertility, cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, left wrist CTS, right hip disability, and left hip disability. However, further development is needed as there are outstanding VA treatment records and additional medical opinions are required to address service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a right hip disability and denied an increased rating for right knee osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of service connection for left hip disability and right hip disability due to the need for additional clarification from a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition and a left hip disability, including as secondary to a low back disability. The decision found that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for a low back condition, and that there is no competent, credible, or probative evidence to support an in-service event or injury for either condition.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, and right hip disability secondary to right knee disability. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim was also denied.,There is no evidence of a current diagnosis of a right knee or left knee disability, nor any link between the disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbosacral strain and a right hip condition, as well as her claim for TDIU. The RO must obtain medical records from JNH, provide an application for TDIU to the Veteran, and request addendums from the VA examiner who conducted the thoracolumbar spine and hip/thigh examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's conditions. The VA examiner is required to provide additional opinions on whether the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his military service, including cold injuries and abdominal aneurysm repair.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right hip disability and right shin splints, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or impairment.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for PTSD, alcohol use disorder with TBI is denied. The Board finds that the appropriate effective date for the grant of service connection for these conditions is August 18, 2017. Service connection for left arm, shoulder, hip, knee, and low back disabilities are remanded.