Citation Nr: 19123719
Decision Date: 03/29/19	Archive Date: 03/29/19

DOCKET NO. 16-05 571
DATE:	March 29, 2019

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for a left hip disability, to include as due to a service-connected left ankle disability is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran contends that his current left hop disability is related to his service-connected left ankle disability. 

A VA opinion was obtained in March 2015; however, this opinion is inadequate because although the examiner determines that the left hip disability is not proximately due to or the result of the service-connected left ankle disability, the examiner does not opine whether the left hip disability is aggravated beyond normal progression by the service-connected left ankle disability. Upon remand, an updated examination must be conducted.  

The matter is REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain updated VA treatment records. 

2. Thereafter, schedule the Veteran for an appropriate examination to determine the nature and etiology of his left hip disability.  The claims file and a copy of this remand should be made available to the examiner.  All indicated tests and studies should be conducted and all clinical findings reported in detail.  

The examiner must opine whether any identified left hip disability is at least as likely as not (1) proximately due to service-connected left ankle disability, or (2) aggravated beyond its natural progression by service-connected left ankle disability. 

All opinions are to be supported with explanatory rationale.

 

JOHN Z. JONES

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

ATTORNEY FOR THE BOARD	A. Hemphill, Associate Counsel