Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 50 percent, as the symptoms more nearly approximated occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has remanded the cases due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left ankle and gout disabilities, requiring further examination and studies.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis due to a lack of bloodwork confirmation, and the Veteran is asked to complete necessary appointments.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to new and material evidence submitted in his appeal period, and because efforts to verify his exposure to depleted uranium have not been successful. The Veteran is also required to undergo further examination if it is found that he was exposed to depleted uranium.

The Board has granted service connection for back disorder, right ankle disorder, radiculopathy in the right leg as secondary to back disorder, and bilateral pes planus (flat feet) as secondary to an ankle disorder. The left leg radiculopathy was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and eligibility for specially adapted housing are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and conducting further examinations.

The Veteran's former wife, the appellant, is not a proper claimant for compensation for disabilities caused by exposure to herbicide agents. The criteria for such benefits have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and migratory inflammatory polyarthritis is being remanded due to the submission of new medical evidence. The Board will need to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and right knee disorder have been reopened, but the issues are being remanded due to incomplete records and need further development.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and diverticulitis are granted service connection, with hypertension receiving a 10% initial rating. The Board found reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran for his rheumatoid arthritis and diverticulitis claims due to Camp Lejeune exposure.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Board granted service connection for prostate cancer, finding that it was as likely as not caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis as residuals of rheumatic fever, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's in-service rheumatic fever event.,The Board also found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, macular scars, rheumatoid arthritis, osteopenia, and a bilateral knee condition due to insufficient evidence of current disabilities. The Veteran's claims were remanded for further examination on the issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the claims for hepatitis C, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), hypertension, edema, loss of vision, rheumatoid arthritis, and porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) are inextricably intertwined due to the relationship between these conditions and hepatitis C. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for clothing allowances due to lack of evidence showing that his braces and creams caused irreparable damage or wear and tear to his clothing.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is found to be at least as likely as not related to his service-connected disabilities. Headaches are also found to be related to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the service connection claims related to rheumatoid arthritis and migraines/headaches due to potential medical opinions needed.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence or need for additional development. The effective date of benefits is not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues on the same day he submitted a withdrawal of appeal, effectively dismissing all claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and reopening of previously denied claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,An earlier effective date claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with other issues on appeal.