Hip decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for mental health disorder and left hip disability as secondary to a service-connected left knee disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for either condition.

The Board has granted a higher 50 percent disability rating for the right hip disability from September 5, 2017, finding that there are moderately severe residuals of pain, weakness, and limitation of motion.

The Veteran's headache disability is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder. The cervical spine, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him disabled to the extent that he required the regular aid and assistance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left and right hip disabilities are granted as service-connected. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a left ankle disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's hearing loss in the right ear does not meet VA criteria for a disability, thus denying service connection for that condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a seizure disorder and residuals of a TBI have been denied.,The Board has found that the evidence does not show to the degree required the first Hickson element, a current disability, with respect to the Veteran's alleged seizure disorder and residuals of a TBI.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration of service connection claims for left hip disability and sleep disturbances.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, right hip, and left hip disabilities have been granted.,However, the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, chondromalacia of the right knee, chondromalacia of the left knee patella (status post lateral release), and surgical scars of the left knee (status post arthroscopy) are being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability and an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids with pruritis ani, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and active service.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hip disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms and functional impairment have persisted since military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for right hip and knee disabilities related to his back disability are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, left hip, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism conditions. The issues of service connection for a right knee condition are also remanded.

The Board has found that additional medical treatment records and examinations need to be considered for the Veteran's low back, left hip, left leg, and left foot (including toes) conditions. The claims are being remanded for readjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to service, and therefore denied these claims.,The Board also found no current right hip disability at this time, thus denying the claim for a right hip disability.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's knee and hip conditions and his service, as well as the potential role of obesity in exacerbating these conditions.

The Veteran's metatarsalgia of the left foot, hammertoes of both feet, and lumbar spine disability are granted as service-connected. Her bilateral hip disability is also granted as secondary to her lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the remaining claims due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's right hip condition is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his sleep apnea and hip disabilities.