Torn labrum in left hip

[Battlebacon1775]

I am a marine vet. I got out of service in 2015. I was seen for lower back pain and hip pain while I was in service. In 2010 I fell out of a 12 foot post in Afghanistan. I was seen while still overseas for back and hip pain. I have a torn labrum in my left hip and constant back pain and tightness, I am guessing from over compensating. Can i file a va disability claim for this condition now? Will it even get approved for service connected? What can I do?

[Patton]

Welcome to Hadit.com BattleBacon 1775!

Since you was seen during service, you should be able to claim it. 

Make sure you have a copy of your Service Treatment Record, you can order a copy from here: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/medical-records.html

You may need a copy of your Service Records also and you can order a copy from: https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

While you are waiting on your records, go to the Doctor to show that you are still being treated for the condition. After receiving your records, go though it and make a copy of anything on this condition. Get a copy of Medical records after Service and make a copy of them also. Go to the 38 CFR here:https://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/bookc.asp#i The 38 CFR shows you how they rate a disability. The Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) is a form that a Doctor fills out during your Compensation and Pension Exam (C&P Exam) which can be found here: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=&tkey=DBQ&Action=Search Both of these links has good information on what they are looking for.

Then you will need to write a Statement in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4138). In this statement include a what happen and a timeline of treatment for that condition (attach the copy of your medical records that you made a copy of and referred to them in your statement). You also need to include how this affects your daily life and work. 

I would have somebody else read your packet, to ensure that it makes sense and easy to follow. If you have not done so yet, setup a eBenefits account at: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage You can apply for benefits here or you can find a local Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to submit your packet for you. If you submit it thru eBenefits, it will ask you about submitting a claim for PTSD. A PTSD claim is a lot of work and I would research it before applying. eBenefit will walk you thru the whole process to include VA Form 21-526EZ. If you go thru a VSO, make sure you find one that you feel comfortable with. There are good and bad ones out there. If you do go thru a VSO, they should review all your Medical records, and help you apply for everything that they feel as though is service connected. Also bring any after service Medical records with you as there maybe secondary conditions that you could claim.

Make sure that you keep a copy of everything you do, as you will need them someday.

I hope this information is helpful and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.