Hip Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and right leg radiculopathy are related to service, while his left hip and knee disabilities may be related to service or a separate incident. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and any further treatment records identified by the Veteran. The issues on appeal are whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for low back disability and entitlement to service connection for left hip disability secondary to a nonservice-connected low back disability.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and development were not fully completed, and thus the claims are being remanded for further action.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left hip disability and granted it. The Veteran also received increased ratings for his left shoulder joint injury, low back strain, and left knee PFS with chondromalacia patella.

The Board found that the Veteran's left hip disability and lumbar degenerative disc disease were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor are they proximately due to a service-connected condition. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was evaluated at 10 percent prior to June 10, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right elbow and right knee disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions. The Board also found that there is insufficient evidence to establish a current disability of chronic abdominal soreness or a right hip disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal as to service connection for a TBI was withdrawn. The claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep disorder were also withdrawn.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of his back, right hip, and left hip disabilities. This includes providing corrective notice regarding secondary service connection, obtaining VA treatment records from February 2014 to present, and obtaining a supplemental medical opinion on the etiology of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his left knee disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent under applicable diagnostic codes. The low back, right hip, and left hip disabilities were found to be unrelated to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current left hip disability and her service. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and CPRS electronic records. The issues of an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for the service-connected right femur disability and entitlement to a TDIU are being remanded as well.

The Board found that the reduction of the disability rating for service-connected left hip arthroplasty status-post left hip septic arthritis with secondary degenerative joint disease from 50 percent to 30 percent was improper and restored the prior 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's hypertension and psoriasis were granted service connection. The lumbar spine disability, left hip disability, and right hand disability are also granted as direct service connection based on evidence of in-service onset or aggravation.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have residuals of a head injury, and his bilateral hip and low back disabilities are not linked to service. The claims were denied as there is no direct evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for left hip and low back disabilities that he believes are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The Board has determined that additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing addendum opinions, is necessary before a final decision can be made.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have a psychiatric disability related to his service and denied the claim. The left hip disability issue is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the relationship between his current right knee, hip and back disabilities and his service. The case will be readjudicated after this.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip disability, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected right knee disability. The left foot disability issue remains pending and will be addressed in the remand portion of this decision.