Hip Board decisions

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40% and his left lower extremity radiculopathy is separately evaluated at 20%. The Board granted the increased ratings.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen several service connection claims, but the evidence is not sufficient to establish service connection for all of the conditions listed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral knee condition. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hip and neck conditions are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left hip disability and whether it is proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected right knee and left ankle disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's gunshot wound residuals of the head, face, and neck. The Veteran also has other disabilities that preclude locomotion without the aid of a wheelchair or similar device.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hip and knee disabilities have been withdrawn by the appellant. The claimant is granted a TDIU rating.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and determined that it is proximately due to a service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, right ear disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and bilateral hip disability are still pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's right hip disability did not manifest within a year of separation from active service and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right wrist disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a new VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's bilateral hip disability is permanently aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral hip disability, specifically addressing whether it is at least as likely as not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee and/or low back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete examination reports and the need for additional medical opinions. The claims will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining missing VA and private treatment records, as well as any SSA disability benefits information. The Veteran is also asked to identify any other medical providers who treated him for his hip and knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a left hip or left knee disability, and thus the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine, lumbar spine, bilateral hip, bilateral knee, and left shoulder disabilities are the result of injuries sustained during service, including multiple parachute jumps. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral knee osteoarthritis is related to military service, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back disability is granted, with a 40% disability rating effective from December 4, 2007 to November 28, 2012. The claim for an increased rating for the same condition after that date remains denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal with respect to the issues of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral hip disability and entitlement to a higher initial rating for PTSD prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of hemorrhoids, lumbar spine disability, lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral knee disabilities, or an acquired psychiatric disorder (depressive disorder) related to service. The right hip disability is also not supported by evidence.

The Board denied service connection for left hip, right hip, and low back disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral elbow condition, right hip condition and right wrist condition are related to her active duty service.,Service connection is granted for all three conditions.