Hip decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as there is no current disability of a hearing loss disability for VA purposes. The issues of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches, lumbosacral and thoracic strain, patellofemoral pain syndrome (right knee), patellofemoral pain syndrome (left knee), and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection claim for recurrent lumbosacral strain is granted. The claims for right hip disability, left hip disability, esophageal disability (GERD), substance abuse disability, and Type II diabetes mellitus are remanded.

The appeal as to whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is dismissed.,The appeal seeking entitlement to service connection for gout is dismissed.,New and material evidence having been received, the claims for service connection for right hip disability and left hip disability are reopened; to this extent only, the appeals are granted.,New and material evidence having been received, the claim for service connection for interstitial cystitis is reopened; to this extent only, the appeal is granted.,The appeals seeking entitlement to service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and anxiety) are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus did not begin in service or within a presumptive period, and was not noted in service with continuity of symptomatology since service. The right-hand disability (claimed as arthritis), right shoulder disability, left hip disability, left arm disability (claimed as carpal tunnel syndrome), sciatica of both legs, and dental deformity are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is denied as it is not shown to be related to service.,The Veteran's right hip condition is denied due to lack of evidence of any current diagnosis or in-service injury.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted based on continuity of symptoms from service to the present.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus is denied as there is no indication of worsening beyond natural progression during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot and right hip disabilities due to insufficient development of evidence.