Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a separate and distinct disability characterized by rheumatoid arthritis, as his symptoms are consistent with his service-connected SLE, bilateral total hip replacements, lumbar strain, and systemic inflammatory arthritis of the hands. Therefore, service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is denied.

The Board found that the appellant's rheumatoid arthritis and right shoulder disorder were not incurred or aggravated during her periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in the Navy Reserve. The evidence did not show a permanent increase in severity beyond the natural progression of the disease.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and a respiratory disability, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not begin in or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis C and rheumatoid arthritis. For hepatitis C, the Veteran's claim was based on direct evidence of a disease in service without any other theories of entitlement being considered. For rheumatoid arthritis, no theory of entitlement was provided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected, and her claim for an increased rating for left total hip replacement was denied.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted, but the RO denied an initial rating in excess of 50 percent and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD. The Veteran currently receives a 50 percent disability rating for his PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination and consideration of all his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial higher ratings for lumbosacral spondylosis and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity associated with lumbar spondylosis were denied. The current evaluations are found to be appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his low back and bilateral knee conditions, are of such nature and severity as to preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational background. As a result, the claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inconsistencies in the VA psychiatric examination report and incomplete opinions regarding service connection for hypertension, gastrointestinal disability, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea.,Service connection for PTSD has been granted. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation. Service connection for hypertension, gastrointestinal disability, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea are also on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is associated with his gastrointestinal disability (GERD, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome). Service connection for these conditions is sought as secondary to the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis are denied. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea is also on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is associated with his gastrointestinal disability (GERD, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome). Service connection for these conditions is sought as secondary to the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis are denied. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea is also on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis are related to his active duty service, granting service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to her service-connected rheumatoid arthritis of various joints, including the right hand, wrist, and feet. The Board has remanded these claims for further development, including additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for anxiety, but did not find a relationship between any of her claimed conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis of the right elbow, left elbow, right wrist, left wrist, right hand, and left hand warrants a combined rating of greater than 60 percent. As such, the highest schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5002 is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulders, elbows, hands, wrists and right ankle is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's disease and assigned a 100% disability evaluation for rheumatoid arthritis, effective from the date of the decision. The initial rating period is not specified as it was reopened on new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable rating for rheumatoid arthritis, as well as his claim for TDIU. The issues of hypertension and gastrointestinal disorder were not addressed.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms are related to her in-service injuries. The effective date is not specified as it was granted during the appeal process.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a headache disorder, tinnitus, and residuals of an inguinal strain. The appeals were not granted.