Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for chronic dry mouth and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings.,Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing its relationship with service-connected other specified trauma and stressor related disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, depressive disorder, TBI, and related disabilities, were denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or link to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbosacral strain and lumbar stenosis are currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under the General Rating Formula for Disease and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, finding that there is no medical evidence linking his current back condition to his active duty service. The right and left knee conditions have been remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected autoimmune disorder to include rheumatoid arthritis has resulted in the need for aid and attendance of another, as evidenced by his inability to perform daily activities independently due to joint pain, swelling, and weakness. He requires assistance with bathing, grooming, and keeping himself clean and presentable.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lower back disability, radiculopathies, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since July 28, 2022. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error and will need to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to newly received service treatment records showing treatment for knee conditions during service. A new VA examination is required to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and thus grants his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the issues of non-specific damage to the heart, circulatory system, cellular DNA damage, and cancers and gene damage have been dismissed due to his withdrawal. The remaining claims are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than July 17, 2012 for the grant of service connection for cervical spine DDD/herniation and radiculopathy, right upper extremity.,There was no formal or informal claim filed before July 17, 2012. The Veteran's representative argued that the effective date should go back to May 2007 based on new service treatment records submitted in June 2015.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of multiple joints are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Board has identified several issues that must be addressed, including those related to RA of the cervical spine, right and left shoulders, and wrists.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his in-service symptoms and his current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient compliance with previous remand instructions and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of any current autoimmune disorder, including rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren's syndrome.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right and left shoulder conditions, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to February 4, 2015. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis for this period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's assertions of in-service injuries are considered.

The Board denied service connection for lower extremity disability, acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as emotional problem), bursitis, and arthritis/rheumatoid arthritis on the basis of substitution due to lack of current diagnoses.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected right and left knee disabilities. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is denied.

Service connection for heart condition, left upper extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, and neuropathy in the left and right feet is denied.,Service connection for right rotator cuff tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and vertigo is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The issues of cervical strain, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with degenerative arthritis, right knee strain, left knee strain, right finger joint condition with rheumatoid and stiffness (right finger condition), left finger joint condition with rheumatoid and stiffness (left finger condition), right wrist rheumatoid arthritis (right wrist condition), left wrist rheumatoid arthritis (left wrist condition), left ankle condition, cardiac condition, and skin condition have been remanded for further evaluation.