How to file for aggravated pre-existing condition.

To file a claim for aggravation of a pre-existing condition, you must submit a new claim (VA Form 21-526EZ) specifically arguing that your congenital hip condition was permanently worsened beyond its natural progression due to your military service, per 38 CFR 3.306(a). The legal foundation requires you to prove three elements: the pre-service existence of the condition, an increase in disability during service, and the current level of aggravation. Critically, you need a medical nexus opinion linking the in-service aggravation to your current disability; the examiner’s statement that you are "born with" the condition starts this process, but you now need a definitive medical opinion stating it is "at least as likely as not" that military duties permanently aggravated it beyond its natural course, citing 38 CFR 3.303(b) and 4.1. For rating, the VA will determine the severity of your current hip disability and then subtract the severity presumed to have existed prior to service, compensating you only for the worsened portion, often using the Diagnostic Codes for the hip (like 5251-5255). Relevant case law includes *DeLuca v. Brown*, which holds that the VA must consider the functional impairment caused by aggravation. Your actionable next steps are: 1) Obtain a copy of the exam report to see if the examiner provided the required nexus opinion; 2) If not, secure a private Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) explicitly addressing aggravation; 3) Gather all service records showing hip complaints, treatments, or duty limitations; 4) Submit a fully developed claim with this evidence, including a personal statement detailing when and how service activities worsened your hip condition. **Disclaimer: This is educational information for claims strategy and is not intended as legal or medical advice; for such guidance, please consult with an accredited VA attorney or agent.**