Hip decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, degenerative joint disease of the left hip, left knee medial meniscus tear, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The issues have been remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left hip disability, finding that there was no causal relationship between any current left hip condition and an in-service injury or illness. The preponderance of evidence did not support the Veteran's contention that his current hip problems were related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to new medical evidence received during the appeal process. The Veteran's hip disabilities and hypertension are being evaluated again as there may be alternative theories of entitlement.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The adjustment disorder claim was not granted, the right knee replacement rating remained at 30%, the back condition, migraines, and left hip condition claims were also denied, and a TDIU claim was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Major Depressive Disorder was granted. The claims for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, and for hip and low back disabilities were remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to reopen his previously denied claims for obstructive sleep apnea and right hip disability. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions.,The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder (flat feet and plantar fasciitis) claim remains pending as VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of this condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left hip disabilities, as well as his right and left knee disabilities are being reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,A VA examination is required to determine the etiology of the Veteran’s neck, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various joint disabilities due to incomplete records and inadequate examinations. The Veteran's current conditions are being evaluated, along with his in-service injury from a motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of neck and hip disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, obstructive sleep apnea, and right hip disability are granted as secondary to his service-connected residuals of bilateral feet frostbite injuries. The claim for DDD of the lumbar spine is denied.

The Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was granted. The Board also remanded several other issues related to the Veteran's claims, including those involving right foot hallux valgus, left shoulder disability, GI condition, low back disability and radiculopathy, hip disabilities, erectile dysfunction, Achilles' tendon conditions, foot conditions, gout, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and left hip disabilities due to insufficient medical evidence addressing whether these conditions are related to his in-service traumatic accident.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee patellofemoral syndrome with degenerative joint disease was denied, and the Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260-5003.,A separate rating of 20 percent for right knee disability based on instability is granted from August 6, 2019.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and finds no causal relationship between his current disabilities and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lower back and right hip conditions, finding no current disabilities within VA regulations' definition. The Board concluded that the evidence did not support a diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various ankle, back, hip, and knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran must be scheduled for a VA examination of his left ankle disability, and additional opinions are needed regarding secondary service connection for other disabilities.

The Board has remanded the issues regarding service connection for left knee disability, right hip disability, and left hip disability. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee disability with limitation of flexion remains under review.

The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection due to the appellant's withdrawal request prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's right hip disability is currently rated as noncompensable, and the appeal for a compensable rating is denied.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss claim requires additional information to be provided by the private audiologist who administered the November 2014 examination.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (adjustment disorder and PTSD) is remanded due to incomplete stressor verification.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, right hip disability, and left shoulder condition due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.