Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2006

The veteran's appeal was denied for service connection of dermatitis due to exposure to Agent Orange. The RO also denied an increased rating for his gastrointestinal disorder and a compensable evaluation for his ear disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, finding that there is no evidence of such condition in service or within one year post-service and concluding that it is not related to his military service.

The Board has directed that the case be remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of rheumatic fever, including rheumatic heart disease, and for rheumatoid arthritis are on appeal.

The veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis renders him unable to tend to the basic functions of self-care without regular assistance from another person, and he is housebound due to his condition. The Board finds that these criteria meet the requirements for SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for proper designation of his representative. The issues regarding service connection are not addressed as they were not specified in the original decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection for epididymo-orchitis, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis (claimed as swelling of the hands and feet) have been denied. The veteran does not suffer from these conditions that can be related to his period of service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for status post right hemicolectomy, carcinoid tumor of the terminal ileum of the small bowel with pericolonic lymph node metastases and cancer of the lymph nodes/carcinoma syndrome to include as due to Agent Orange exposure, and for rheumatoid arthritis.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected, while his right toe fracture and rheumatoid arthritis were not. The decision is based on evidence showing a connection between these conditions and military service.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining recent VA treatment records and conducting further examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to determine the current severity of the veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and its impact on his joints.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to issues raised by the Court, including addressing an informal claim for degenerative arthritis and providing a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and lumbar spine disability is not warranted as the conditions are not shown to be related to service.

The veteran's service connection claim for rheumatoid arthritis is granted as the Board finds that his current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is related to episodes of swollen knees in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA records and scheduling an examination to determine if the veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and lung disorder are related to his service and mustard gas exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints, including bilateral knees, right shoulder, left ankle, and right wrist, did not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation during the period from October 17, 1975 to May 30, 2001.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diverticulitis, kidney stones, arthritis, and an enlarged liver. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for asbestos-related lung disease and rheumatoid arthritis, finding no current disability or evidence of a nexus to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's maximum schedular evaluation of 50 percent for systemic rheumatoid arthritis of the feet is denied as his condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating.