The VA denied ratings in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the right and left hips, finding that the veteran's hip disabilities do not meet criteria for higher evaluations based on limitation of motion or other diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show ankylosis, flail joint, or impairment of the femur, which would warrant a higher evaluation. The veteran’s pain and functional limitations were noted but did not meet the criteria for additional disability ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis of the right hip, osteoarthritis of the left hip
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 29, 2003
- Citation
- 0325349
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0325349.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hip disabilities, together with his service-connected residuals of left ankle fracture, resulted in the loss of use of his bilateral lower extremities and affected the functions of his balance and propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of crutches, a walker, or a cane. The Board has granted entitlement to a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing (SAH).
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hip disabilities, together with his service-connected residuals of left ankle fracture, resulted in the loss of use of his bilateral lower extremities and affected the functions of his balance and propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of crutches, a walker, or a cane. The Board has granted entitlement to a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing (SAH).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in the November 2024 VA examination, where the examiner did not consider the effects of medication on his left hip disability. The case will be readjudicated after obtaining an opinion regarding the severity of the condition without considering the ameliorative effects of medications.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and notification issues. The AOJ must obtain addendum medical opinions addressing whether the Veteran's back, hip, and leg disabilities are directly related to his active service or secondary to a previously service-connected condition.
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