Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including acquired psychiatric disorder, acid reflux, bilateral knee condition, tinnitus, left ear hearing loss disability, DJD of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities have been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 60 percent for left and right total knee replacements, and a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The issue regarding radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is remanded.

The Board found that rheumatoid disease and pleural effusion requiring thoracotomy, decortication, and chest tube placement were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected knee and back disabilities are as likely as not of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU on a schedular basis for the periods from February 1, 2011, and prior to March 17, 2011, and from July 1, 2011, forward. The case is REMANDED for extraschedular consideration of a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities prior to December 15, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of flare-ups in the evaluation, and for additional development including an examination.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The Board has remanded these matters for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and issuing a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for left ankle disability from December 23, 1997 to September 19, 2005 and from May 15, 2009 to May 11, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, neck disability, low back disability, bilateral hip and knee disabilities, iritis, allergies, nephrolithiasis, erectile dysfunction, and lip rash are all granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides in service.

The Board has reopened the claims for PTSD, hypertension, and right shoulder disability. The Veteran's current conditions are presumed to be related to service due to their onset within one year of discharge.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is denied as he does not have any service-connected disabilities that would require such assistance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board has also dismissed the kidney disability claim as withdrawn.

The Board granted service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities with an effective date of May 2, 2007. The Veteran's original claim was related to his low back disability, which included bilateral leg numbness and a limp.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulders, and erectile dysfunction were denied as secondary to his service-connected glaucoma.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a mental disorder, including major depressive disorder, has been granted. The claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and sleep apnea have also been reopened and are pending further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current knee disabilities, including whether they are related to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded for further action.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed right knee and right leg disabilities, including their relationship to service-connected lumbar strain. The claims will be readjudicated based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal has been remanded due to incomplete medical opinions regarding his service connection claims for depression and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the need for additional examination of his pes planus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and address SSA disability benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck disorder and sleep apnea are not related to his active duty service, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for these conditions.