Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected right foot disability, rheumatoid arthritis, is currently rated at 20 percent disabling. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects his symptoms and limitations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner and scheduling appropriate examinations.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been granted increased ratings of 40 percent each, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have rheumatoid arthritis or any other non-degenerative arthritis during the appeal period. The claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, including any arthritic condition disability of his bilateral hands and feet. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable disability ratings for rheumatoid arthritis affecting the right hand and left hand, as well as a higher rating for his left ankle disability due to rheumatoid arthritis, were denied. The Veteran also had an unsuccessful claim for TDIU prior to June 15, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus, small vessel vasculitis, and Raynaud's syndrome are all service-connected due to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a video conference hearing. The claims of service connection and increased rating remain in an unresolved state.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with scheduling a VA examination and verifying the Veteran's address. The claim will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's left shoulder disorder, characterized by limited range of motion and pain, does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation than 20 percent.

The Veteran's death was not due to his own willful misconduct. He had a service-connected disability rated as totally disabling for the last 10 years of his life, but it did not meet the requirement of being continuously in effect for at least 10 years immediately preceding his death or for five years from his release from active duty service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and low back scar have been granted service connection, with a 20% initial rating for the lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine, shoulders, knees, and ankles have been denied. The Veteran was granted a compensable rating for his left foot status post fracture of the third toe.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of PTSD and degenerative changes of the lumbar spine have been granted, but she does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including referral to the Under Secretary for Benefits or Director of Compensation and Pension Service for consideration of an extraschedular rating for service-connected radiculopathy of the right lower extremity secondary to a lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between service-connected disabilities and the Veteran's death from pancreatic cancer.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including IVDS and degenerative arthritis, is rated at 40 percent from February 5, 2015. His sciatica of the right lower extremity remains at a 40 percent rating since that date.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining treatment records and providing addendum opinions regarding the Veteran's eye disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a local regional office hearing. The issue of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis will be addressed at the next step.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.