The Veteran's left hip degenerative arthritis with limitation of flexion is rated at 20 percent.,The Veteran's left hip degenerative arthritis with limitation of extension is not compensable.,The Veteran's left hip degenerative arthritis with impairment of the thigh is rated at 10 percent.,Service connection for PTSD has been granted, but an effective date prior to August 22, 2017, cannot be established.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of flexion due to pain or other factors. The current 20 percent rating is the highest available under Diagnostic Code 5252 for limitation of flexion.,There is no compensable rating available for limitation of extension as it is limited to 15 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5251.,The impairment of the thigh with adduction and abduction limitations are rated at 10 percent based on Diagnostic Code 5253. The Veteran's limitation of rotation (toe-out) is limited to 15 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5253.,Service connection for PTSD has been granted but an effective date prior to August 22, 2017, cannot be established as there was no claim filed or service-connected disability in place prior to that date.

Claimed conditions

left hip degenerative arthritis with limitation of flexion, left hip degenerative arthritis with limitation of extension, left hip degenerative arthritis with impairment of the thigh

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

October 3, 2019

Citation

19176644