Citation Nr: 20026084 Decision Date: 04/15/20 Archive Date: 04/15/20 DOCKET NO. 18-42 307 DATE: April 15, 2020 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a left hip disability is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a right hip disability is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from June to October 1987 and from September 1988 to October 2008. These matters are before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from an October 2016 rating decisions of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). Entitlement to service connection for a left and right hip disability is remanded. Here, the Veteran was afforded a VA examination with respect to these claims in April 2018. The examiner opined that the Veteran’s osteoarthritis of the hips is less likely than not proximately due to or the result of the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities. The Board finds this opinion is inadequate for adjudication purposes as the examiner failed to determine whether the Veteran’s osteoarthritis of the hips was aggravated by his service-connected disabilities or provide an opinion on the etiology of the Veteran’s bilateral hips on a direct basis. The record reflects the Veteran has consistently reported that his bilateral hip disabilities are related to service and he has suffered from hip pain since service. Specifically, the Veteran has asserted these disabilities are the result of having to carry ruck sacks that were between 50 to 85 pounds apiece every other week on 6-mile marches and running with them for 16 to 21 miles a week. The Veteran also asserted he was required to train on rough terrain that consisted of mud, rocks and uneven ground both day and night. Post service medical treatment records reflect the Veteran reported groin pain with abduction and flexion of the hip at the September 2008 general VA examination. VA treatment records also reflect the Veteran’s reports of hip pain and a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the bilateral hips as early as 2016. These treatment records also note the Veteran’s reports of suffering from right hip pain since service. Based on the foregoing, the Board finds an additional opinion is required to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s bilateral hip disability. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Schedule the Veteran for an examination by an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of any left and right hip disability. The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease, including the vigorous training and carrying of ruck sacks on rough terrain and groin pain noted during service. OR Whether his bilateral hip disabilities are least as likely as not (1) began during active service, (2) manifested within a year after discharge from service, or (3) was noted during service with continuity of the same symptomatology since service. OR Whether his bilateral hip disabilities are at least as likely as not (1) proximately due to service-connected disability, or (2) aggravated beyond its natural progression by service-connected disability. Detailed rationale and reasoning for all opinions and conclusions provided is required. Providing an opinion without a thorough explanation will delay processing of the claims and may result in a clarification being requested. The Veteran’s lay assertions must be taken into consideration for any opinion rendered. If it is not possible to provide any of the requested information, the examiner must state whether this is because of a deficiency in the state of general medical knowledge (that is, no one could respond, given medical science and the known facts), a deficiency in the record (that is, additional facts are required), or the examiner (that is, the examiner does not have the required knowledge or training). 2. Following the review and any additional development deemed necessary, re-adjudicate the claims. Should the claims not be granted in its entirety, issue an appropriate supplemental statement of the case (SSOC) and forward the claims to the Board for adjudication. C. TRUEBA Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board K. McDuffie, Associate Counsel The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.