Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2022

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination opinions regarding the Veteran's arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis of multiple joints. New medical opinions are needed from a rheumatologist or physician.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 11, 2016.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from February 1, 2012. Prior to that date, the evidence does not support his claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for muscle and joint pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, due to a lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, emotional problems, and lower extremity problems due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain with DJD and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were denied. The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability was granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to August 5, 2014.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for sleep apnea, increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis and residuals of a fracture of the left distal tibia and fibula with varus deformity and left ankle fracture with limitation of motion and left knee condition with arthritis, as well as an increase in rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity. The appeal seeking SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance was granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted from February 7, 2014, as he had a combined rating of 60% for his service-connected disabilities. The decision acknowledges that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected low back disability and associated radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient opinions on whether these conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to May 5, 2016 rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as there are insufficient medical records to establish service connection for some conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or incapacitating episodes.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's respiratory disability (including asthma) and rheumatoid arthritis, finding that exposure to asbestos and MEK during military service is at least as likely as not related to these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA medical records and considering the issue on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's tinnitus has been found to be related to his military service, and thus granted.,Bilateral hearing loss was not shown during service or post-service, and is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine disability, right and left knee disabilities, and rheumatoid arthritis (claimed as radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremity), have contributed to his need for regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted entitlement to SMC at the (l) level based on the Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's application to reopen a previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral eye disability is denied. The Board has also remanded the issues regarding service connection for a left shoulder disability and an arthritis disability (claimed as rheumatoid arthritis).

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding multiple joint arthritis, including the back, bilateral hips, and bilateral knees. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypertension are being remanded due to inadequate opinions in the prior VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to obtain addendum opinions from an appropriate clinician that address the etiology of each condition, including consideration of herbicide agent exposure.