Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2014

The Board has determined that the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is not service connected, as there is no evidence of its onset during or within one year after service. The VA examiner and physician have provided opinions indicating that the arthritis is more likely related to his work environment post-service rather than his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematous has been remanded to the RO/AMC for additional development. The rating for incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve in the right lower extremity remains under review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis (other than rheumatoid) of multiple joints, including cervical spine, left foot, wrists, hands, elbows, ankles and lumbar spine. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the elbows and left hand were denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during his military service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, including his COPD and PTSD. The VA examiner found no direct correlation between the Veteran's asbestos exposure and his COPD.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and thus cannot establish service connection for this condition. The claim for gout is inextricably intertwined with the kidney disorder claim as the Veteran testified that his gout was secondary to his kidney disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorders and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his cervical spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The issue of TDIU has been remanded due to incomplete records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete opinions regarding his service connection claims, particularly concerning potential aggravation of pre-existing conditions during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current rheumatoid arthritis is not related to her active service and has denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a cataract, right eye disorder in service or due to a service-connected condition. For the hand, wrist, foot, and left foot disabilities, the Board determined that there was no more than noncompensable limitation of motion.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer with GERD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate. The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis claim has been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis did not begin during or as a result of his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current Achilles tendonitis disability and denied service connection for this condition. For rheumatoid arthritis, the VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not incurred in or caused by ACDUTRA service.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and rheumatoid arthritis due to exposure at Camp Lejeune are being remanded for additional development.

The Board found that rheumatoid arthritis did not have onset during service or within one year of separation from service and is not otherwise related to service, including exposure to herbicides. As such, the claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lung disabilities developed after service and are not etiologically related to service. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is granted as it cannot be satisfactorily disassociated from his credible report of rheumatic symptoms in service.