Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy, left lower extremity has been withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of multiple joints, are not service-connected. The right ankle condition is service-connected due to in-service trauma, but other joint conditions are not considered service-connected.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated by her active duty and is not related to her service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 5, 2007. As such, an earlier effective date for the TDIU rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to new evidence received after the last adjudication.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and anxiety as secondary to rheumatoid arthritis due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to a period of active duty training.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or recurrent infections that are related to his active military service. The evidence shows that he was diagnosed with these conditions after separation from service.

The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, finding that his forward flexion is limited to as low as 25 degrees during flare-ups. The decision also notes that there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his level of education and work history.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rheumatoid arthritis of the feet with pes cavus, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are not related to his service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The VA examiner opined that it is less likely than not that any diagnosis of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hands incurred in or was a result of the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis and a right shoulder disability, both claimed as bone pain.,There is no current diagnosis of rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis associated with the Veteran's bone pain.

The Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus type II have been rated at the minimum disability ratings, with no evidence of more severe symptomatology warranting higher evaluations.

The Board found that the Veteran's glaucoma and rheumatoid arthritis did not have their onset during service or within one year of separation, and there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and employment information. The case will be readjudicated after the completion of these actions.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is not service connected.,The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left middle finger does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed due to herbicide exposure in service. The claim for rheumatoid arthritis has been reopened, but the Board finds insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the condition and service.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine conditions are found to have been aggravated by service, warranting service connection.,Bilateral hearing loss is not supported by the evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability, finding that it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected pes planus. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was denied.