Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2019

The Veteran is granted an effective date of February 20, 2013 for the grant of a TDIU.,The Veteran is also granted an effective date of July 12, 2015 for eligibility to Chapter 35 Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits.

The Board has decided that there is insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis was incurred in service or related to his service-connected back disability. The case is being sent back for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was reopened and granted. Service connection for PTSD was denied, with the issue remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that a medical opinion is needed to determine the cause of the Veteran's death and whether his in-service skin rash and subsequent rheumatoid arthritis contributed to his stroke, which was the underlying cause of his death. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for residuals, left ulnar fracture and remanded it. The issue of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis as secondary to residuals, left ulnar fracture is also being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for fibromyalgia, but the claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and DDD of the lumbar spine are still pending and need further examination. The Veteran's appeal regarding the VA Form 9 submission is also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscle weakness as there is no credible evidence of an in-service disease or injury that could be related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid and polyarthritis is denied as there is no evidence of the disability during service or within one year after separation from service.,Service connection for heart disabilities, including arrhythmia and hypertension, is denied due to lack of competent medical evidence showing a current diagnosis and continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has denied service connection for left leg condition, anxiety disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. The issues of acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety disorder), rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and hypothyroidism are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn. A TDIU rating is granted from June 10, 2014, based on his service-connected right median nerve laceration.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including GERD with Barrett’s esophagus, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and a lumbar spine disability. The Veteran is also seeking TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, claimed as neck problems, is being remanded for further evaluation.,Hypertension and back disability have earlier effective dates of June 17, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disorder is remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's spouse is not found to be in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as she can manage her daily activities with assistance when needed.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a left wrist disorder is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received, including a February 2014 report from a private physician opining that the Veteran’s left wrist disorder was caused by service.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis are granted service connection. Special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, lumbosacral strain with rheumatoid spondylitis, sacroiliac joints and degenerative joint disease, coronary artery disease, PTSD, and TDIU. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to address specific questions raised by the Veteran.