Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, Type II and seizures have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of in-service injury or illness related to these conditions.,There was insufficient information provided by the Veteran regarding herbicide exposure during his Okinawa service, which prevented a determination on this basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and right shoulder/arm conditions, make it impossible for him to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's PTSD and major depressive disorder are related to his initial active duty training (ACDUTRA) military service, and the Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability, but denied claims for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Service connection was also granted for the Veteran's urinary disability (prostatitis), though it was not diagnosed until after service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a 20 percent rating for the period prior to October 26, 2012 and a 40 percent rating from May 9, 2018. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower and upper extremities is denied. The Board found that no CUE was present in the December 1966 rating decision, as the correct facts were not before the adjudicator at that time.

The Board has remanded the claims for earlier effective dates of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis in multiple joints, as the issue is intertwined with a claim of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a prior rating decision.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence in the May 2017 VA examiner's opinion regarding the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis. The claim will be returned for further development and an addendum opinion.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension, finding no evidence of a nexus to service. The claim for high cholesterol was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal in its entirety through a statement from his representative.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine due to lack of a VA medical opinion on service connection, and failure to schedule a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and entitlement to special monthly pension (SMP) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to insufficient evidence in previous opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for chest pain and rheumatoid arthritis due to insufficient medical evidence regarding their etiology. The Veteran must be afforded VA examinations to determine if his current disabilities are related to his military service.

This decision grants the Veteran's request for VA outpatient dental treatment. The Board denied service connection for left and right elbow disorders, cardiomyopathy, and denies initial ratings for rheumatoid arthritis, left foot calcaneal spur, hypertension, and GERD. Service connection is granted for depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the lumbar spine due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since April 28, 2017. The Board found that the condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates as there was no evidence of a valid claim prior to July 27, 2011. The effective date for his increased ratings and service connection will be set at July 27, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral leg disability, finding no current diagnosis of radiculopathy or other bilateral leg disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of all digits of the left hand, right leg disability, and left ankle disability have been reopened. The claim for rheumatoid arthritis has not been reopened.,Service connection is granted for degenerative joint disease of all digits of the left hand.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for ankylosis and bilateral hearing loss has been withdrawn.,Service connection for periodontal disease (for compensation purposes) is denied as it cannot be considered a compensable disability.