Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a heart condition, which he contends is related to his active military service. The Board finds VA must provide such examination pursuant to McLendon.,The Veteran seeks service connection for stroke, which could significantly impact a decision on the issue of entitlement to service connection for epilepsy. The issues are inextricably intertwined and thus require remand.,The Veteran seeks service connection for epilepsy, which could significantly impact a decision on the issue of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea. The issues are inextricably intertwined and thus require remand.,The Veteran seeks service connection for brain tumors, which he contends originated in service and continues to the present. As stated above, the Veteran’s exposure to Agent Orange has been conceded. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain such examination pursuant to McLendon.,The Veteran seeks service connection for sleep apnea, which could significantly impact a decision on the issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The issues are inextricably intertwined and thus require remand.,The Veteran seeks service connection for lung condition, which he contends originated in service and continues to the present. As stated above, the Veteran’s exposure to Agent Orange has been conceded. VA treatment records reflect reports of asthma. Though the record does not contain a definitive diagnosis of asthma or other lung condition, based on his education and training the Veteran is competent to offer evidence of a current disability or persistent or recurrent symptoms of a disability. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain such examination pursuant to McLendon.,The Veteran seeks service connection for residuals of an inguinal hernia, which he contends originated in service and continues to the present. The service treatment records show a diagnosis of right inguinal hernia in May 1963 and an inguinal hernioplasty in June 1963. The Board finds VA must provide such examination pursuant to McLendon.,The Veteran seeks service connection for diverticulitis, which he contends originated in service and continues to the present. As stated above, the Veteran’s exposure to Agent Orange has been conceded. The Veteran underwent a private colonoscopy in July 2016. The colonoscopy report reflects a diagnosis of diverticulitis and polyps. Further, STRs dated January 1966 show reports of abdominal pain, epigastric tenderness, and intermittent indigestion over a period of three months. The Board finds VA must provide such examination pursuant to McLendon.,The Veteran seeks service connection for polyps, which could significantly impact a decision on the issue of service connection for diverticulitis. The issues are inextricably intertwined and thus require remand.,The Veteran seeks service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, which he contends originated in service and continues to the present. He alleges this condition was caused or aggravated by his inguinal hernia and the 'wear and tear' associated with his military training. Alternatively, he alleges that his rheumatoid arthritis was a result of Agent Orange exposure. The Board finds VA must provide such examination pursuant to McLendon.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unresolved medical questions regarding the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in service and its aggravation.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, but remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the bilateral hands was reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for right foot plantar fasciitis/tendonitis, TMJ syndrome, and bilateral patellofemoral knee syndrome. The issue of increased rating for right ankle condition remains pending.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on several conditions due to his withdrawal of those claims at a hearing.

The Veteran's application to reopen her claim for service connection of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is granted. Service connection for SLE is denied. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied. The issue of service connection for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) secondary to SLE is remanded.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the nature and cause of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, low back disability, bilateral knee disability, respiratory disorder (scar tissue of the lungs), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequacies in the previous VA examination and a need for additional private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a bilateral upper extremity disability, originally claimed as wrist pain, is being remanded due to the need to address his cervical spine disability and obtain any relevant VA treatment records. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disability has also been referred to the AOJ.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is not properly rated, and the Board finds that remand is warranted to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule an examination to assess the current severity of the condition.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of hypertension, TDIU, and rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of bilateral knees and ankles, a low back condition including arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea. The claims of service connection for these conditions are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for right hip disability, rheumatoid arthritis, skin disability (vitiligo), and periodontal disability due to potential service connection based on aggravation of these conditions by diabetes mellitus.

Service connection for fibromyalgia is granted due to its presumptive relationship with service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations.,Service connection for a skin condition, claimed as rash, is denied as there is no current evidence of such a condition.

The Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus was denied, but the RO reopened and granted service connection. The initial rating assigned is 10 percent.,Service connection for DJD of thoracolumbar spine was granted with an initial rating of 10 percent. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of thoracolumbar spine was not established as it was not shown in service or presumed due to herbicide exposure. Service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, PTSD, and depressive disorder were all granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee osteoarthritis and lumbar spondylosis, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The claim for TDIU is granted with the exception of the rating reduction for right knee osteoarthritis which is remanded.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis of the hands, elbows, knees, and ankles is rated at 10 percent prior to April 18, 2012, and a rating in excess of 60 percent thereafter. The appeal is granted for these ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection due to insufficient evidence, including a need for VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a bilateral leg disability and remanded it. The issue of compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for rectal disability is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the claim for service connection of various conditions was not filed within one year of his daughters' 18th birthdays, and thus an earlier effective date could not be granted.