Citation Nr: 21068461 Decision Date: 11/10/21 Archive Date: 11/10/21 DOCKET NO. 18-29 257 DATE: November 10, 2021 ORDER Entitlement to service connection for left hip replacement and pain is granted. FINDING OF FACT Resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor, his left hip replacement with pain is at least as likely as not related to his in-service left hip injuries. CONCLUSION OF LAW The criteria for service connection for left hip replacement with pain are met. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1131, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303. REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Air Force from June 1975 to June 1995. These matters come before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) on appeal from an April 2017 rating decision of the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Veteran presented sworn testimony at a hearing before the undersigned in October 2021. 1. Entitlement to service connection for left hip replacement and pain The Veteran contends that his left hip replacement and pain was caused by his left hip and thigh injuries while on active duty. The Board concludes that the Veteran has a current disability that is related to his active-duty service. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1131, 5107(b); Holton v. Shinseki, 557 F.3d 1363, 1366 (Fed. Cir. 2009); 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(a). An August 1978 service treatment records notes the Veteran reported pain in his left lower extremity after being hit while playing football. Left thigh contusion was diagnosed. A September 1978 service treatment record notes the Veteran reported left hip pain after a football tackle. It was noted that he was able to walk with some pain, mostly on extension. A muscular sprain was diagnosed. A September 1978 service treatment record notes the Veteran reported continuing pain in his left hip. An x-ray revealed no evidence of arthritis. An October 1983 service treatment record notes the Veteran suffered a second-degree hamstring tear while playing football and was given crutches. The Veteran was afforded a VA hip and thigh conditions examination in March 2017. Diagnoses of left hip degenerative arthritis and status post left hip total arthroplasty were noted. It was noted that the Veteran worked as a plumber both during and post-service. He reported a left hip problem in 1979 that improved and stated that he noticed severe pain and stiffness 2 to 3 years prior that eventually led to a hip replacement. The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's left hip was less likely than not incurred in or caused by the Veteran's service, noting that his in-service injuries improved with treatment. It was then noted that structural changes with hip replacement normally occur with aging and over time. The examiner then noted that the Veteran worked as a plumber for over 20 years since leaving the military. Here, the VA examiner opined that the aging process and working over 20 years as a plumber post service are the likely cause of the Veteran's left hip condition. The Board notes, however, that much of the Veteran's again occurred during his 20 years of military service. The Veteran testified at the October 2021 Board hearing that he went to sick call for left hip issues several times while on service and had recurrent left hip issues since service. The Board notes that the Veteran is competent to report observable symptoms, to include orthopedic problems, and his reports are credible. Jandreau v. Nicholson, 492 F.3d 1372, 1377 (Fed. Cir. 2007). Upon review of the record, the evidence shows that the Veteran suffered left hip injuries while in service and that he reported experiencing continuing left hip problems during and after service, eventually culminating in his left hip replacement. As such, the Board finds the evidence to at least be in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current left hip replacement with pain is related to his service. Accordingly, after resolving all doubt in favor of the Veteran, the Board finds that service connection for left hip replacement with pain is warranted. 38 U.S.C. § 5107; 38 C.F.R. § 3.102. STEVEN D. REISS Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board Keeley, Brian 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.