Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence being added to the file, and the AOJ needs to review this evidence before making a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful employment for the appeal period prior to May 15, 2017.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic arthritis due to a lack of sufficient information regarding the competency of the medical examiner who conducted the July 2018 VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA opinions regarding whether the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The case will be returned for further development and an addendum opinion from a VA medical provider.

The Veteran's service connection claims for rheumatoid arthritis (claimed as osteoarthritis) and lupus are remanded due to the need for additional development.,PTSD, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux, anemia secondary to lupus, low white blood cell count secondary to lupus, hypertension secondary to lupus, gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to service-connected hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux, undifferentiated facial dermatitis, left foot pes planus with fasciitis, and TDIU are all remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for patellofemoral pain syndrome of both knees, lumbar disc herniation, radiculopathy of the upper extremities, and insomnia. The claims are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for rheumatoid arthritis, varicose veins, and basal cell carcinoma due to potential exposure to burn pits during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected hysterectomy.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective January 15, 2019. Prior to this date, his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis with joint pain is granted service connection, and a 70 percent rating for PTSD is also granted.,Other issues like GERD and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asthma, PTSD, and IBS, are at least as likely to prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of new evidence.,The Board is seeking clarification on the qualifications of the examiner who provided the August and September 2022 opinions, particularly regarding their experience in rheumatology.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a chronic multi-symptom illness manifested by joint pain and swelling is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his current condition and active duty service, including environmental exposures in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the case for a clarification of the opinion regarding the etiology and onset of the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis, as well as its relationship to presumed contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claims for bile obstruction, sleep disorder (insomnia), and rheumatoid arthritis have been denied as there is no competent evidence of these conditions during the pendency of the appeal.,Service connection cannot be awarded because there is no diagnosed condition to support a claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the loss of use of one or both lower extremities, nor does he require regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected conditions.,The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran requires regular aid and assistance from another person for daily living activities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if his left arm and right knee disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea (OSA) is due to or aggravated by his service-connected fibromyalgia.,Service connection for OSA as secondary to fibromyalgia has been granted.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of response from the Veteran to requests for medical records and examination.

The Veteran's special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted, effective from his death in December 2021.