Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain a substantially gainful occupation, effective December 7, 2016.

The Veteran's left foot disability, characterized by marked deformity and pain on use, is rated at 20 percent effective from May 26, 2004.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to outstanding SSA records that may contain relevant evidence. The earlier effective date claim is inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, cerebrovascular accident (claimed as mini strokes), bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The AOJ must obtain updated medical records from the Veteran's new location in Florida.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on a higher level of special aid and attendance due to his need for personal health-care services provided daily in his home by licensed professionals, necessitating nursing home care if not provided.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthropathy of the hands (claimed as rheumatoid arthritis) is granted.,Effective May 1, 2012, the Veteran's claims for scars on his right upper and lower extremities and left lower extremity are granted.,Effective May 1, 2012, the Veteran's claim for service connection for right foot degenerative joint disease is granted.,Effective May 1, 2012, the Veteran's claim for service connection for left foot degenerative joint disease is granted.,Effective May 1, 2012, the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder degenerative joint disease (status post rotator cuff and impingement surgery) is granted.,Effective May 1, 2012, the Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder degenerative joint disease (status post rotator cuff and impingement surgery) is granted.,The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of right carpal tunnel syndrome with median and lower radicular group involvement are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the lumbar spine condition. The Veteran's claim for service connection is pending and will be reconsidered.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional medical opinions and to obtain relevant records, including from Social Security Administration (SSA). The issues include service connection for various conditions such as right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, carpal tunnel syndrome, flat feet, edema, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, headache disorder, head injury residuals, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than insomnia.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II has been withdrawn.,The Board is remanding the claims of service connection for a neck disability, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity (RUE), headaches (claimed as cephalgia), erectile dysfunction (ED), and intestinal disability due to exposure to contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune. The VA will provide additional examinations and obtain medical opinions regarding these issues.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy and Hartman's pouch (intestinal disability) is remanded, as the Veteran has not been provided a VA examination to assess this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of rheumatoid arthritis, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete or inaccurate factual premises in previous opinions and insufficient examination reports.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's diabetes is related to his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has remanded the claims for rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disorder, and low back disorder due to inadequate medical opinions provided in the previous remand.

The Board has granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and remanded the claims for initial compensable ratings for left and right knee disabilities, as well as for service connection for costochondritis.

The Board has determined that additional evidence must be reviewed by the AOJ before a final decision can be made on the claims. The Veteran's service connection requests for various conditions are being remanded to allow for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and glaucoma, as well as the claim for TDIU due to incomplete service records. The Veteran's STRs are presumed destroyed by a fire in 1973.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines, asthma, bilateral pes planus, and others, have prevented her from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment since June 26, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, as his education and occupational experience are sufficient to allow for transferable skills.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is granted. The Board also grants the Veteran's claim for aggravation of his pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis by service, but remands the issue of service connection for lower extremity conditions other than rheumatoid arthritis.