Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2004

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen his claim for service connection for anemia with rheumatoid arthritis, finding that the evidence submitted was not new and material.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peptic ulcer disease, peripheral neuropathy, chronic dysentery, beriberi, malnutrition, and helminthiasis as there is no competent evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service occurrence. The claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension was also denied due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has decided to grant an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis from 40 percent to a higher evaluation, based on the current medical evidence and the need for further examination.