The Veteran's claim for service connection for prostate cancer is stayed. The claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disability, left hip disability, and right hip disability are granted to the extent of reopening. A rating in excess of 20 percent for superficial peroneal neuropathy of the left lower extremity (left leg numbness) is remanded. An increased rating for post-operative peritonsillar abscess is also remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD was initially denied and never became final. The claims for service connection for bilateral hip conditions are reopened to the extent of new evidence submitted. A left hip disability, including status post total left hip replacement, is granted. An increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is not warranted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip disability remains pending and is remanded. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability is also remanded.
The deciding factor: The new evidence submitted supports the possibility that the Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disability may be related to his active duty service, thus reopening the claim.,The newly submitted evidence reasonably raises the possibility that the Veteran's bilateral hip condition may be caused by his service-connected left leg disability, thus reopening the claims.,The VA examiner found that there is no opinion to the contrary regarding the connection between the Veteran’s hip arthritis and his abnormal gait due to his painful left knee. The Board finds this evidence at least in equipoise.
- Claimed conditions
- prostate cancer, acquired psychiatric disability, left hip disability, right hip disability
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19178934
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer and related disabilities, urinary incontinence, sleep apnea, hypertension, varicose veins, lumbar spine disability, hip arthritis, shoulder arthritis, ankle arthritis, knee strain, knee replacement, and hand arthritis. The only condition granted was a 10 percent rating for a fracture of the right proximal first metacarpal.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for prostate cancer, related to in-service exposures at Camp Lejeune.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for right knee, right hip, and lumbar spine disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability but denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for his left knee disability prior to April 25, 2019.
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.