Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2005

The veteran seeks a higher disability rating for his service-connected chronic multiple rheumatoid arthritis. The current 30 percent rating has been in effect since 1958 and cannot be reduced absent fraud. The RO is required to arrange for the veteran to undergo an examination by a rheumatologist to determine which joints, if any, have residual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

The veteran's claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and the residuals of a bone marrow transplant were denied. The evaluation for the residuals of a left knee injury was also denied, but it was restored to 10 percent prior to November 1, 1998.

The veteran seeks service connection for a low back disorder with pain radiating into the right leg. The Board has ordered further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his current condition and military service.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have any residuals of rheumatoid arthritis and concluded that an increased (compensable) rating for this condition is not warranted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction and granted service connection for hypertension. The claims for chest pain disability, back disability, glaucoma, and rheumatoid arthritis are denied.

The Board denied the claim for an increased rating for rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints, currently rated as 40 percent disabling.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and gout, as well as for bilateral foot pain, ankle pain, elbow pain, neck pain, back pain, and headaches. The veteran's current disabilities were not shown to be related to his period of active duty.

The Board has ordered additional development of the evidence due to procedural concerns. The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his rheumatoid arthritis of the right wrist and left ankle joints from July 28, 1998 is now pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete evidence and a need for further examination. The veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, which is secondary to residuals of rheumatic fever, will be reconsidered after obtaining additional medical records and conducting an appropriate examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints is being remanded due to conflicting opinions on the progression and manifestations of the service-connected condition. Additional medical evidence, including blood RH Factor tests and x-ray reports, needs to be obtained.

The veteran is seeking service connection for degenerative joint disease of the hips, shoulders, and neck, as well as rheumatoid arthritis of the spine. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied as the evidence did not meet the schedular criteria for an increased evaluation in excess of the current ratings.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right hip and right knee disabilities, including rheumatoid arthritis, finding that there is no evidence of a link between his current conditions and his active service.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the veteran's SFW residuals, right calf, ankle, and foot with scars, effective June 11, 2001. The claim for service connection for polymyalgia rheumatica (rheumatoid arthritis) as secondary to his service-connected SFW residuals has also been granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, finding that rheumatoid arthritis did not contribute to the veteran's death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and headaches. The Board found no competent evidence to show that the veteran had current asthma or headache disorders incurred in or aggravated by service. Service connection was not granted for rheumatoid arthritis of the knees and toes due to lack of medical nexus between the condition and service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation, which is more severe than the current 20 percent rating. The evidence shows marked limitation of motion and other symptoms consistent with this higher rating.

The veteran is seeking service connection for rheumatoid arthritis. The VA has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the etiology of any currently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis and whether it is related to active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for her degenerative arthritis of both knees, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's claimed conditions were not first manifested in service and are denied.