The Board found that there is no direct evidence linking the Veteran's current avascular necrosis and degenerative joint disease of the right and left hips to his period of service. The VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not that these conditions were directly related to his military service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner noted that there are multiple risk factors for avascular necrosis in the hips, but based on the Veteran's medical history, he more likely developed these conditions due to alcohol use rather than service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- avascular necrosis of the right hip, degenerative joint disease of the left hip
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 13, 2018
- Citation
- 1814964
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 1814964.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip disorders are related to his active military service, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for myasthenia gravis with ptosis and remanded the ratings for avascular necrosis, hip flexion limitations, and lower extremity weakness.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple disabilities, including various musculoskeletal conditions and mental health disorders.
- Partly granted
The Board grants service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), degenerative joint disease of the left hip, and degenerative joint disease of the right hip.,The Board grants service connection for bilateral tinea pedis.,The Board denies service connection for hypertension.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.