Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining information from Social Security Administration.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the case is now closed.

The Veteran's IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine is now rated at 40 percent, effective June 30, 2020. The right ankle disability has been restored to a 10 percent rating from June 22, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous remand directives regarding obtaining private treatment records from 1984 to 1991.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis was not caused by VA medical treatment, specifically the flu shot administered in 2012. The Board found that the flu shot did not cause the Veteran's current condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for further development regarding the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is granted a 60% rating from April 30, 2010. The ratings for chronic hand strain with painful motion of the thumb, ring, and little fingers (left and right hands) are denied. The ratings for painful motion of the index and long fingers (left and right hands) remain at 10%. The Veteran's right hand scar is also rated as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to additional development being necessary, including obtaining treatment records and providing a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as bipolar I disorder, was granted. The claims for cyst formation on the testicles and right foot pes planus were denied. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and hypertension are pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his daily functioning. The Veteran needs an addendum opinion from a physician to determine if he is substantially confined or requires regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and evaluations to determine the severity of his thoracolumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and bilateral pes planus. The claims are also remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and inflammatory arthritis, finding that additional development is needed. The issues are related to secondary service connection due to a service-connected condition.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for rheumatoid arthritis prior to May 1, 2014, finding that the Veteran's condition was not active during this period and did not warrant a higher rating based on his knee conditions.

The claim for service connection for COPD is reopened and granted. The appeal is also granted to the extent of remanding issues related to bilateral knee disorders, left shoulder disorder, and cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to insufficient efforts by the AOJ in obtaining the Veteran's service records. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, but the issues related to psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis remain pending as they were not discussed or addressed in the July 2013 VA examination.

The Veteran's lower back disability is rated at 40 percent effective April 13, 2010.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, finding that there is no current diagnosis of the condition and thus no basis to grant the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and need for additional evidence. The issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and rheumatoid arthritis of the hand are being addressed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis are now before the Board.