Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing (SAH) has been granted. The increased rating claim for the left knee disability, which is now rated together with SNRA of the left knee, remains on appeal in the Legacy system and will be held in abeyance until a hearing scheduled through AMA.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for various conditions, including those secondary to a hysterectomy and/or medication prescribed post-surgery, was denied as the evidence did not support that these conditions were caused by carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, error in judgment or similar instance of fault on the part of VA.

The Veteran's asthma is rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board also found that he is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has been working part-time since February 2022 and his limitations are manageable.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, right temporal arteritis, and rheumatoid arthritis due to incomplete development of records. The Veteran's service connection claims will be reconsidered after obtaining all relevant medical records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his claims of acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral knee disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied service connection for joint pain, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, and left ulnar neuropathy (claimed as wrist disability) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's joint pain is attributed to rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's death was caused by congestive heart failure, which is listed as a 'sequel to Agent Orange' on his death certificate. The Board has ordered further development including obtaining medical records and an addendum opinion from the VA examiner who previously reviewed the case.

The Board dismissed all the claims due to the appellant's death during the appeal process.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was denied.

The Veteran's request for a TDIU rating since December 21, 2015 is dismissed as her service-connected disabilities have resulted in a 100% combined disability rating. The TDIU claim for the period before December 21, 2015 is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for right elbow rheumatoid arthritis and tendinopathy, bilateral hip osteoarthritis and tendonitis, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis and tendonitis. These conditions are found to be etiologically related to active service.

The Board denied service connection for Raynaud's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, finding that the disabilities did not manifest during or within one year after service, were not related to an in-service injury or disease, and are not otherwise etiologically linked.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected conditions, but the claim is dismissed as it represents a full grant of benefits.

The Board denied service connection for sarcoidosis and joint pain (claimed as rheumatoid arthritis) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service.,The Board found that the Veteran's current sarcoidosis is not related to his in-service rheumatic fever, and his joint pain is more likely related to his diagnosed sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and denied DIC under U.S.C. 1318.,The Veteran died from cardiac arrhythmia and rheumatoid arthritis, but his service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, a psychiatric disability (claimed as personality disorder), an autoimmune disorder (claimed as lupus), a migraine disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis due to unclear periods of service.

The Veteran's skin rash and right bicep disorder are not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability during the appeal period.,The Veteran's sinus disorder, fibromyalgia, and RA are also not service-connected due to lack of medical nexus.