Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2012

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from February 1, 2008. The right shoulder disability was initially rated as noncompensable prior to November 1, 2005 and has been rated at 30 percent since then.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his right and left wrist fractures (claimed as rheumatoid arthritis) and service connection for a low back disability. The denial was based on insufficient evidence to support the claims.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joint pains, and sexual impotency secondary to hepatitis C. The effective date of service connection is not addressed due to a remand order.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is related to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder. The Board has also found that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to active military service.

The Veteran's claim for a special home adaptation grant is denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death is etiologically related to his military service, specifically his documented swollen joints during active duty. As such, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and pes planus were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence/aggravation that would support these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination. The issue remains whether he should be rated higher for his hepatitis B.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including low back strain and rheumatoid arthritis, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection based on direct service incurrence or aggravation.

The Board has granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and denied service connection for CFS, finding that the Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of CFS as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's heart condition is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and he has a current diagnosis of coronary artery disease. His other claims are denied.