Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service connection claims for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, as well as his TDIU claim, have been granted. His increased rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis fibromatosis has also been granted with a 20% evaluation effective October 28, 2013.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and thoracic strain were granted an initial disability rating of 20 percent, effective July 31, 2009. Service connection for bilateral reduction mammoplasties with scars was also granted. However, service connection for heart palpitations/chest pain was denied.

The Board has determined that the Appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly death pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her disabilities.

The Board found that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's death is being reviewed due to his service-connected interstitial lung disease, which the Board finds may be related to his rheumatoid arthritis. The case must be remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis on the basis of aggravation, but denied reopening of the claim for rheumatoid arthritis. The Veteran is entitled to an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD as part of a separate issue.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for left ankle arthritis and gout with rheumatoid arthritis. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain medical records, arrange for an examination, and determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and granted it, finding that new and material evidence was received. Service connection is now established for rheumatoid arthritis. The other issues on appeal remain denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis. The Veteran's current rheumatoid arthritis is found to have had its onset during military service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis disabilities are not supported by the evidence of record, and thus have been denied.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's stomach disorder and rheumatoid arthritis are not causally or etiologically related to service, including exposure to an herbicidal agent.

The Veteran's multiple-joint arthritis, left and right knee patella tendonitis, and left wrist ganglion cyst were all found to be likely incurred during his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right ankle laxity. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, including secondary to his service-connected Hepatitis C, has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis is not causally or etiologically due to service and did not manifest within one year of separation from active service.

The Board has granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulders, elbows, hands, wrists, and right ankle with a noncompensable rating effective May 7, 2008. However, the Veteran's claim is still pending as additional development is required.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral lower extremity disability, including rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, as it precludes him from performing the physical demands of his former profession as a plumber/pipe fitter.