Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2001

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, malaria, dysentery, asthma, and dizziness, were not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent for seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, as the veteran's symptoms are currently manifested by definite impairment but not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's rheumatoid arthritis did not begin during her period of active duty service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board found that the December 15, 1971 rating decision assigning a 20 percent disability rating for arthralgia of the shoulders as a residual of rheumatic fever constituted clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The effective date was set at November 13, 1987 for a 30 percent evaluation for arthralgia of the right shoulder and a 20 percent evaluation for arthralgia of the left shoulder. However, the Board also found that an earlier effective date than March 26, 1998 was not warranted for the current ratings.

The Board granted an effective date of October 9, 2001 for the assignment of a combined 60 percent evaluation for inactive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of multiple joints.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis of the left hip, currently rated at 10 percent. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as there is no objective confirmation of limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for rheumatoid arthritis and a TDIU, citing inadequate medical findings on file and the need for further development of his claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that the current evaluations were appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The veteran's loss of use of both feet due to service-connected arteriospastic disease is established, allowing for financial assistance from the VA.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to an effective date of October 1, 1978 for the award of DIC pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to lack of evidence linking pancreatic cancer, which was the cause of death, to service or any service-connected disability. The claim for basic eligibility for dependents' educational assistance benefits under Chapter 35 also failed as the veteran did not meet the criteria.