Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2013

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints, left shoulder, right wrist, left wrist, left hand, right hand, and left knee were evaluated based on their respective disabilities. The rating was granted for the left shoulder, wrists, hands, hips/thighs, and knees.

The Board found that the grants of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis involving the hands, wrists, and elbows, and limitation of motion of the right ankle associated with rheumatoid arthritis were not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. As a result, the severance of these conditions was denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate to support final appellate review and remands are necessary for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his rheumatoid arthritis. The issue of an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD will be addressed separately.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hip disability is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing it was aggravated by his service, and the pre-existing condition did not worsen during service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death from pancreatic cancer, which resulted in a denial of service connection for the cause of his death.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and denied the claim.

The Veteran's spouse has been diagnosed with several conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, essential tremors, osteoarthritis requiring knee replacement and high blood pressure. The Board finds that the evidence shows she requires regular aid and attendance due to her disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and an examination to evaluate the nature and etiology of the veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and right shoulder disorder.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of all pending issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability is caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee and hip disabilities, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine and associated radiculopathy involving the left lower extremity have been rated at 20 percent since August 10, 2009. The initial rating remains unchanged from a previous 10 percent rating prior to that date.

The Veteran's left knee rheumatoid arthritis with synovitis has been rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's right knee injury was denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to September 20, 2011 and granted a 20% rating as of that date. The Veteran's scleroderma with rheumatoid arthritis was initially denied but later granted a 60% rating effective September 23, 2011.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development as the prior examination report was inadequate and did not address the impact of his service-connected disabilities in combination on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if his rheumatoid arthritis and stomach disorder are related to his in-service herbicide exposure. The case will be readjudicated after the examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to address the service connection claims, including a VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for rheumatoid arthritis was denied due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain additional medical records and for further development, including obtaining treatment records from Dr. Vivas and any relevant state disability retirement records.