Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for osteoarthritis, lupus, anticardiolipin syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis. The Veteran's current disabilities are more likely related to his post-service work history and age.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic eye disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), COPD, emphysema, a chronic lung disability based on asbestos exposure, residuals of a back injury, IBS, or a psychosis in service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence linking any claimed conditions to his military service.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of November 18, 2010 for the assignment of a separate 40 percent rating for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity associated with residuals of a gunshot wound to the right axilla.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 20 percent, effective February 8, 2011. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The case is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination and a videoconference hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's multiple joint rheumatoid arthritis was not incurred in, related to, or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal of the claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine, left lower extremity, bilateral hearing loss, and hemorrhoid disabilities, as well as entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a broken finger of the right hand was denied as there is no evidence of current disability related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to arrange for a Board hearing. The issues include reopening his claim for cervical degenerative disc disease, service connection for PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, COPD, and insomnia, as well as an increased disability rating for lumbar strain and TDIU.

The Board granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and TDIU, but denied an earlier effective date and a compensable rating. The Veteran's combined disability rating was 70% prior to November 17, 2003.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including colitis, thoracic scoliosis, low back pain, polyarthritis of bilateral elbows and knees (claimed as rheumatoid arthritis), nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), a disability manifested by loss of balance, difficulty walking, standing, sitting, dehydration, suppressed immune system, and extreme fatigue due to Remicade infusion, pancreatitis, and restless leg syndrome. The effective date for these service connection decisions is not specified.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, including arthritis and sarcoidosis, is not service connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after his military service.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to incomplete adjudication. The claim will be reconsidered and a supplemental statement of the case will be issued.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have rheumatoid arthritis and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has assigned a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected radiculopathy of the left lower extremity effective August 5, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and examinations, particularly related to his rheumatoid arthritis claim. The hypertension claim remains pending.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for Parkinson's disease and granted it, but denied the other issues on appeal. The Veteran was not provided with a rating or effective date as his claims were all reopened.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's respiratory disease including COPD and determined that his death was caused by this condition. The cause of death is therefore also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, and Graves' disease warrant a 70 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5002.