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
- Not verified here — check the original 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1814964.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple disabilities, including various musculoskeletal conditions and mental health disorders.
- Whole decision: 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.
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