Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis due to Agent Orange exposure, as they were previously remanded by the Board in 2014 and 2017. The Veteran's private medical records from Dr. T are still not obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for TDIU and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance and/or housebound status due to ongoing medical conditions.

The Veteran's disability ratings for his spine condition, radiculopathy, and migraines have been restored to their previous levels.,The Veteran was previously rated at 40%, 20%, and 30% respectively. The reductions were reversed.

The Board has denied service connection for fatty infiltration of the liver and hypogonadism, finding that there is no evidence to support a relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's service. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for inflammatory polyarthropathy/rheumatoid arthritis, claiming it as secondary to hypothyroidism.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for inflammatory polyarthropathy/rheumatoid arthritis is being remanded due to inadequate examination and need for a new opinion on whether his condition may be related to his service.

The Board has granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and epiphora, finding that both conditions had their onset during service. Service connection was denied for gout of the right lower extremity, gout of the left lower extremity, and residuals of an allergic reaction due to lack of current diagnoses.

The Board has remanded the case for a rheumatoid arthritis claim due to insufficient rationale in previous opinions and the need for a rheumatologist's opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine as secondary to flat feet with heel spurs and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that there are new and material issues related to the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, propriety of a ratings reduction, and TDIU. The VA must obtain any outstanding treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records before these matters can be further adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to new evidence added since the last Statement of the Case. The claims will be reviewed again, including a TDIU claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities, as well as housebound status due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not establish that the Veteran was in need of regular aid and assistance or permanently housebound solely due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as there are insufficient medical opinions and new evidence needs to be considered.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, abdominal aortic aneurysm, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory disorders, vocal cord dysfunction, bilateral knee and shoulder disorders, lumbar spine disorder, and scars. The development includes obtaining service personnel records for the Veteran's periods of active duty and National Guard service, as well as verifying any qualifying periods of service.,The Board also notes that the Veteran has contended that his conditions are related to hazardous exposures during his period of active duty, including exposure to jet fuel and chemicals. The AOJ should attempt to verify these claims and obtain VA medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not suffer additional disability due to VA medical treatment, including intentional infliction of mental and emotional distress, twisted toes, failure by VA employees to provide foot treatment from 2001 through 2007, incorrect diagnosis of lupus, or failure and/or refusal to diagnose and treat angioedema.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for left knee strain have been denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's claims for skin cancer, cervical strain, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to resolve the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral pes planus, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and a left shoulder disability. The AOJ should obtain any outstanding medical records and provide an addendum opinion on each issue.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are denied. The Board found no evidence linking the claimed disabilities to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for rheumatoid arthritis involving multiple joints, right elbow, left elbow, right knee, left knee, right foot, and left foot. The AOJ must request a VA examination to determine the current severity of his rheumatoid arthritis and provide flare-up information.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea pedis. The Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disorder, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and migraines are remanded due to incomplete development.