Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and ischemic heart disease (IHD) have been reopened, but the Board finds that there is not sufficient evidence to grant these claims.,The Veteran has a current diagnosis of tinnitus related to his active service. However, he does not have a confirmed diagnosis of IHD.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and cataracts, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, diffuse joint and muscle pain, and hypertension has been reopened. The Board finds that the evidence submitted since the September 2009 rating decision raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating her claims. However, further examination is needed to determine the etiology of her lumbar spine condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lung condition and arthritis due to insufficient medical evidence of record. A VA examination is needed to determine the likely etiology of any lung disorders and the nature and etiology of his arthritis.

The Board denied compensation benefits for reactive/rheumatoid arthritis, finding that the Veteran's condition was not caused by negligence or fault on VA's part in administering a flu shot.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for back condition, rheumatoid arthritis, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea. The decision also denied her increased initial compensable evaluations for a bilateral eye disability prior to November 1, 2017, and corneal abrasion with recurrent corneal erosion from November 1, 2017.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and reviewing additional medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection are related to his active service, with particular focus on exposure to herbicides during his time aboard the USS Midway in Vietnam.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the left and right hands as secondary to degenerative joint disease due to lack of causation or aggravation by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of multiple joints (previously claimed as pain in the hands) is denied. The Board finds that his current osteoarthritis is unrelated to his time in service and does not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate examinations and need for further medical opinions.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions, including hemorrhoids and a left little toe callus. The claims were also dismissed due to her withdrawal of other issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted, with effective dates ranging from October 31, 2009 to July 13, 2011. The decision also includes a TDIU determination.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back strain, but remanded his claims for bilateral ankle condition and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, achilles tendonitis, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, low back disability, pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, edema of the lower extremities, residuals of a head injury, migraine headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica of the left leg, and psychiatric disorder manifested by a head injury, all related to Reserve service. The Board found that there was no evidence of disease or injury incurred in or aggravated during ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus type II (DM) as the conditions pre-existed military service and were not aggravated by it.,There is no evidence of permanent aggravation of either condition during active duty.

The claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was reopened due to new and material evidence. However, the claim was denied as there is no credible evidence that the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis started during or within one year of his separation from active duty, nor is there sufficient evidence linking it to herbicide exposure in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, bilateral hearing loss, rheumatoid arthritis, tinnitus, hypertension, beriberi, and irritable bowel syndrome are denied as there is no recognized period of active military service during which these conditions could have been incurred or aggravated.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, but has remanded them due to the need for additional evidence regarding in-service chemical exposure and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's service in Vietnam, which could impact his eligibility for presumptive service connection based on exposure to herbicide agents. The RO must verify the nature and extent of the Veteran’s service onboard the USS Black, including any deployments within the 12 nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death, finding that neither rheumatoid arthritis nor any other service-connected condition caused or contributed to the Veteran's death. The loss of use of both feet was found to be a contributing factor but not the primary cause.