Connecting Hip issue service

[USMCVMO]

Hi All -

I have been out since 1995 - I am at 70% due to medical discharge with my back and related issues.  Over the last 8-10 years I have had hip discomfort and has got really bad.  I saw a hip specialist who looked at the MRI.  He said at my age my hip joint has way more wear and tear than it should at my age.  Its bone against bone and I am getting injections to treat.   He said he normally sees this condition in marathon runners.  I am by no means a runner.  I have a desk job.  I did play rugby and soccer in the marines and general PT of course.  I cant explain this wear and tear other than those activities. I have not played any sports after getting out.  Does anyone think this could be connected if I put in a claim?   I have included the MRI notes.

[AllTheWay]

Greetings USMC,

It does not hurt to file a claim. If you do file a claim, do not just claim it by itself. Meaning, file a claim for the hip to see if you can get a direct service connection. Also claim it secondary for your service connect back conditions as well as other service connected condition.

Make sure that you scrub your medical records if you have them to see if you had ever complained about your hip while in service.

[brokensoldier244th]

were you injured or did you have hip complaints in service? Thats going to be the first test- if there isn't that, then you will have to secondary connect it to something you already have going on. 

[broncovet]

You have been given good advice.  The only thing I will add, like always, is "Get your Caluza elements", and you will get Service connected.

As Broken soldier correctly pointed out, Caluza element 2 is critial:

1.  CURRENT diagnosis.  According to your post, it sounds like it may be "femoral acetabellar impingment".  But it could be other stuff he listed also. 

2.  As Broken soldier correctly posted, you need an "in service event" or "aggravation". 

3.  "If" you have the above 2, you will also need a nexus, or doc opinion that your current condtion is at least as likely as not related to your in service event. 

    BUT:  if this is a secondary condition you need only 2 Caluza elements:

1.  Current diagnosis.

2.  Doc's opinion that your current diagnosis is "at least as likely as not" caused by (another service connected condion(s). 

[USMCVMO]

Thanks all.  I do not have anything in my medical record complaining about the hip.

If connecting to my back I currently have these primary and secondary conditions.   

 20% lower left extremity sciatic radiculopathy

20% lower right extremity sciatic radiculopathy

Thoracolumbar spine disc herniations 20% - this is primary.

I see the advantage of claiming to an existing condition since service connection is already established, but from a medical perspective can the hip joint degenerate faster due to lower back issues?  How is that proved or disproved?   I am sure I can get my ortho to write a letter about likeliness. 

[brokensoldier244th]

Altered gait and weight shift to one side vs the other. 

[LightofSolitude]

2 hours ago, USMCVMO said:

but from a medical perspective can the hip joint degenerate faster due to lower back issues?  How is that proved or disproved?

Anything is possible with a five star medical opinion from a board certified specialist. I have read a BVA case in the past where a veteran was granted service connection for "sleepwalking." In your specific case, you can overcompensate on one side which will eventually make the other side a lot worse.