Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty about whether the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is distinct from his service-connected right wrist fracture, and if so, whether it is caused or aggravated by that condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render them unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection related to respiratory problems, blood blockage on the left side of the neck, hypertension, and a right hip condition are not fully developed due to inadequate VA examinations. The cases are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his thoracolumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, have rendered him unemployable since October 15, 2019. A TDIU rating is granted from that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent her from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to March 14, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of sufficient severity to produce unemployability prior to October 7, 2020. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of TDIU prior to this date and grants the claim.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions obtained are inadequate and remands the cases for further development, including obtaining a new opinion on the nature and etiology of the claimed conditions and their relationship to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss, rheumatoid arthritis, blood clot in the lungs, blood clot in veins, and muscle inflammation are granted service connection. However, his duodenal ulcer does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis (claimed as rheumatism), and arthritis were denied service connection due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,There is no indication that the Veteran had any of these conditions during or immediately after service.

The Board has received a withdrawal request from the appellant and thus dismissed the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for rheumatoid lung disease, mediastinal nodes enlargement, and a lung condition to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various joint disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and degenerative arthritis of multiple joints (including ankles, knees, and feet), were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's lung disability, diagnosed as benign pulmonary nodules, was not shown in service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise related to active duty service, to include as due to presumed in-service herbicide exposure.,The Veteran’s arthritis disability, diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, was not shown in service or for many years thereafter and is not otherwise related to active duty service, to include as due to presumed in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD with marijuana abuse is granted a 70 percent rating from February 20, 2007. Ratings in excess of 50 percent prior to that date and in excess of 70 percent from that date are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and an acquired psychiatric disorder should be remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded several claims related to low back, knee, and shoulder disorders. The claim for service connection for a low back disorder is being remanded due to new evidence indicating the Veteran may have lumbar stenosis.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, with the most probative evidence showing he is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathy. The case is remanded to obtain new examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran’s lower extremity radiculopathy.