BDingster

Hello, I'm trying to figure out if there's enough wrong with my rt hip to file a claim. Background: ETS'd '95 L hip: service connected Fall 2021: 40, 10, 0 for osteoarthritis nexus = jump status impacts (will be replaced in June) Lower back: service connected Fall 2021: 20 percent for osteoarthritis/DDD, nexus = jump status impacts Rt knee: service connected Fall '96 10%, increased Fall 2021 to 20, 10 percents osteoarthritis Age = 53 The rt hip has moderate osteoarthritis, some loss of joint space, and spurring. There are some twinges in the buttocks, but noting more than "huh, that ain't right" and I should keep an eye on it. Not reproducible other than it seems to be later in the day/week and in the relatively same spot as the other hip. Groin feels tighter, not so much painful - it's what lead me to the doc for the left hip thinking it was just a chronicaly tight muscle, but this rt hip is nowhere near as severe. Range of motion is good, except unable to rotate internally (does internal rotation count? I see only toe-out and leg crossing). Dr. notes state that I do have pain in the hip. The issue is that I'm bumping up against the age factor, and the hip is 95% OK. It's what the bad hip was like 4 years ago. With that, is there enough to file a claim? File now looking for a 0%? Intent to File and see what happens? Wait until there is consistent pain upon movement and more limited range of motion? Thanks for any input

Included in the claim is what was noted in the OP: "certainly reasonable to assume hip issues are secondary to the knee." Similar is stated for the back. Unfortunately, the cases I've been reading suggest that such wording is nearly worthless. I think it's a coin flip if this gets approved or not. Thank you for your time.

Unfortunately, my VSO advised against this. Having done some more research, it looks like my packet is a bit deficient. Thank you for your time.

Regarding balance and gait, as far as I know, those have been normal - hence looking at overuse. Lower back is also claimed as a secondary. Just had a friend suggest looking at pelvis besides the hip due to being on jump status. It all runs together like you say. Thanks for your time.

I'm only finding out now, with 3 days until C&P just how much more should have been in my packet. VSO said save the nexus/etiology in case of appeal. I'm learning that much more should have been included in my packet. Thank you for your time and leads

Understood about nexus. That website is a treasure trove. Thank you.

Looking to connect an arthritic left hip as a secondary to a service connected rt knee. The left leg has been my power leg for 20 years, so it has extra wear and tear. PCP PA-3 states in evidentiary notes "certainly reasonable to assume hip is caused by knee". The issue is that the VA cases I've looked at all say there is no literature that supports bilateral joints - only adjacent joints. Questions: 1) has anyone won such a case with a bilateral lower extremely? 2) does anyone know of any lit that connects opposite leg secondaries? Thanks