Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a left knee disorder as secondary to a service-connected right knee disorder, diabetes mellitus, hearing loss, and an eye disorder. The claim for reopening a back disorder was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for an effective date earlier than November 6, 1986 for the award of a total schedular evaluation for active rheumatoid arthritis. The new evidence submitted did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, secondary to his service-connected left total knee arthroplasty, and for entitlement to specially adapted housing or a special housing adaptation grant, and an automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including atherosclerotic heart disease, peptic ulcer disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, low back disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board granted service connection for the veteran's low back disability and assigned a 20 percent rating. The appeal regarding rheumatoid arthritis, deformity of the hands, and sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints, including the back and left knee. The evidence did not show a diagnosis or relationship to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for systemic lupus erythematosus and denied her claims for seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diabetes mellitus, and cholecystitis status post cholectectomy.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination by a rheumatologist and adjudication of the claim.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for spondyloarthropathy, finding that the veteran's condition did not meet criteria for higher ratings due to lack of total incapacitation and compensable residual conditions.

The Board has determined that the cause of the veteran's death, pulmonary fibrosis, was not caused by or a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, skin disability (eczema, folliculitis, dermatitis), muscle disorder, neurological disability, and cardiovascular disability were denied. The claim for skin disability was granted.

The Board found no evidence of a right elbow disability related to service and denied the veteran's claim. The VA examiner opined that there is no nexus between any current right elbow disability and his time in service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current multiple joint disabilities, including rheumatoid arthritis and polyneuropathy of the hands, wrists, and elbows, are not service-connected.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic psychiatric disorder or rheumatoid arthritis in service, and denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression, bipolar disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and his active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently diagnosed coronary artery disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lipomas of the chest and back were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.,VA is remanding the issue of entitlement to service connection for irritable colon due to a timely filed notice of disagreement.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis, affecting multiple joints, does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent due to lack of active rheumatoid process and normal range of motion.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, degenerative changes consistent with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis or gout of the left wrist, peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple extremities, and bilateral hearing loss, preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and shrapnel wound residuals are not related to his active service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a right ankle disability due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is denied as there is no link between the current rheumatoid arthritis and the in-service right ankle sprains.