Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2006

The Board determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and a heart disorder. The appeal is considered 'mixed' as some issues were granted while others were denied.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding his service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and pes planus. Further development is required, including a VA examination.

The veteran's request for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the right ankle and hip is being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for connective tissue disease, including rheumatoid arthritis and Raynaud's phenomenon. The evidence now supports a finding that these conditions may have originated during his military service.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for rheumatoid arthritis was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation for conjunctivitis was denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations for his low back disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected spine disability and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to an effective date earlier than May 5, 2003 for a 100 percent disability rating for his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence is against service connection for scars on the back and face, bilateral hip disability (to include as secondary to service-connected right knee disability), rheumatoid arthritis of the chest, and loss of teeth. The veteran's claims are denied.

The Board found that the veteran did not have chronic hypertension or rheumatoid arthritis during service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee disability and diagnosed the veteran with rheumatoid arthritis, finding no evidence of a nexus between current knee problems and military service.

The Board found no current evidence of rheumatoid arthritis, recurrent urinary tract infection, pes planus, recurrent ear infection, or tonsillitis. The claims for these conditions were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence to support the presence of a present disability.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic foot infection and rheumatoid arthritis were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The veteran was also denied special monthly pension benefits due to a lack of need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board found that the veteran does not currently have rheumatoid arthritis, sinusitis, or a skin disorder. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for soft tissue sarcoma and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for a scar on the left temporoparietal region. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of rheumatic fever and obstructive hypopnea and apnea, as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for residuals of rheumatic fever. Service connection for obstructive hypopnea and apnea was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various psychiatric and musculoskeletal conditions, including PTSD, chronic fatigue, muscle spasm, headaches, and rheumatoid arthritis. The decision found that there was no credible evidence of in-service stressors or a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB), effective from the date of receipt of the claim, based on constant itching and scattered tender exposed papules in the beard area.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding that there is no competent medical evidence indicating current disabilities or a link to service.