Hip decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a traumatic brain injury, lumbar spine disability with radiculopathy, right and left hip disabilities, and increased ratings for diabetes mellitus type II, SFW to Muscle Group XVII on the left side, SFW of the left wrist involving Muscle Group VIII, and left buttock scar and left forearm scar have all been denied.,The Veteran's service records do not show any evidence of a TBI. His current lumbar spine disability with radiculopathy is not shown to be related to his service or injury therein. Right and left hip disabilities are also not shown to be related to his service or injury therein.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical nexus opinions provided in response to previous remands. The case is being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left hip disability as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left ankle fracture, an acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, IBS, and a right hip disability due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.,Bilateral hearing loss was also denied as there is no evidence indicating it meets the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is required to protect her from hazards or dangers incident to her daily environment. As a result, the Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a shortening of the right leg, right hip disability, and back disability due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.,However, these claims are still being remanded as further medical examination is needed to determine the etiology of the conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's right hip disability and sinus disability.

The Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is service-connected, with the Board finding that her in-service back pain and ongoing symptoms are related to her active duty.,For right hip and left hip disabilities, the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether they had their onset during her active service. The Veteran reported persistent hip pain since service, which post-service providers characterized as 'chronic.'

The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected left hip disability is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and consideration of evidence since the last VA examination, which was nearly seven years ago.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia as secondary to PTSD, but denied service connection for right hip and low back disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hip disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of his right hip, right knee, and left ankle conditions as they are not related to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his period of service.,The Veteran's right arm, left arm, right hip, left hip, right knee, left knee, right leg, and left leg disabilities are not related to his period of service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right hip condition is related to service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for hypercholesterolemia.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is denied as there is insufficient evidence of a current diagnosis and no link to service or an undiagnosed illness.,There is no current left index finger scar, and the Veteran's complaints are not supported by medical evidence.,The Veteran's left hip disability is less likely related to service. The examiner found it was due to peripheral vascular disease (PVD) of the left iliac artery.,A temporary total evaluation for convalescence from surgery for a service-connected disability is denied as there is no service-connected disability upon which to base this claim.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus secondary to heart disease is remanded for additional examination and opinion.,Service connection for CFS secondary to obstructive sleep apnea is remanded for additional examination and opinion.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection as they have already been granted in a January 2020 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an opinion on whether the Veteran's pre-existing idiopathic scoliosis worsened during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,Service connection is sought for various disabilities, including back, left hip, and bilateral leg or knee conditions, all potentially related to his service-connected right hip deformity.

The appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right hip disability is dismissed. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as major depressive disorder, is granted. The appeals for ratings in excess of 10 percent for left knee degenerative joint disease with painful motion and limitation of extension are denied. The appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine disability prior to August 16, 2019 is remanded.