The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected surgical scars of the left and right hips, finding that the evidence did not support a compensable rating. The claims for increased ratings for total hip replacements were remanded for further development.
The deciding factor: The August 2019 VA examination reports were found to be inadequate as they did not consider the ameliorative effects of medication on the Veteran's symptoms, and thus, an adequate opinion was required.
- Claimed conditions
- service-connected surgical scar, left hip, service-connected surgical scar, right hip
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 20, 2025
- Citation
- A25045404
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The veteran's appeal for service connection was dismissed due to untimely filing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the case to obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's employment and the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for left hip due to a need for a new medical nexus opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for right shoulder, right hip, an acquired psychiatric disability, respiratory issues, and oral cyst to correct duty-to-assist errors.
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