Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2020

The Veteran's mechanical low back pain is granted as service-connected.,There is no current diagnosis of sinusitis. The claim for sinusitis is denied.,Service connection for lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disc disease (DDD) is granted.,Service connection for radiculopathy, left lower extremity, sciatic nerve is remanded.,Service connection for radiculopathy, right lower extremity, sciatic nerve is remanded.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected hypertension and is granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), arthropathy, and peripheral neuropathy are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rheumatoid arthritis of the left hand and left foot require additional development due to inadequate or incomplete VA examinations. The cases are being remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has dismissed the claim for service connection of a lumbar spine disability and granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis (presumed due to service-connected cervical spine disability).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examinations and failure to consider all relevant evidence of record.

The Board denied DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the death of the Veteran, finding that the cause of death was not caused by VA care and that no negligence occurred on VA's part.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain SSA disability records, which may be relevant to his mental health condition and employment status.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and dermatitis of the soles of both feet rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the appeal period stemming from his June 4, 2010 claim to August 15, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment prior to July 24, 2014. The Board denied TDIU and DEA benefits due to the Veteran's pursuit of an advanced degree.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which are presumed to be related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination regarding the pre-existence of rheumatoid arthritis and its relation to service.

The Veteran's right arm disability is found to be secondary to his service-connected neck disability. Service connection for gout bilateral feet and rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints, both secondary to Hepatitis C, are granted. The cervical spine disability is granted at a 30% rating effective June 18, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, and pituitary tumor due to incomplete development of records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis, finding that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of these conditions or their relationship to active duty.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for various conditions and a temporary total disability rating. The main issue is that further medical examinations are needed due to the passage of time since previous evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum VA medical opinion to determine the etiology of the disorders and clarify whether they are related to service or service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and now requires further development including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis contributing substantially to his development of congestive heart failure.

The Veteran's rating for rheumatoid arthritis was restored to 40 percent, effective July 1, 2015. A 60 percent evaluation is granted for his service-connected left knee traumatic arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's diabetes mellitus was aggravated by her service-connected rheumatoid arthritis.