Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, and erectile dysfunction were denied. The Board found no evidence of CFS or rheumatoid arthritis during the pendency of the claim. Service connection was granted for erectile dysfunction as secondary to coronary artery disease.,Special monthly compensation (SMC) based on loss of use of a creative organ is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and clarification regarding the Veteran's arthritic conditions, including whether they are related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for rheumatoid arthritis, osteomyelitis, osteoporosis, a kidney condition (to include kidney stones), gastrointestinal condition, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and diabetes mellitus type 2 as they are inextricably intertwined with the issue of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypogonadism, immune disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis due to lack of VA examinations.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding its relationship to service, including exposure to chemicals and toxic fumes during his military service as a diesel mechanic.

The Veteran's rating for rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was restored to 20 percent effective January 1, 2017. The reduction in rating from 40 percent to zero percent is considered void ab initio.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right feet, rheumatoid arthritis, and arthritis in both knees due to herbicide agent exposure. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also granted as secondary to rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board denied service connection for cold injury residuals, other than a dental disability and rheumatoid arthritis. The evidence did not support the Veteran's claims of in-service exposure to cold weather or environmental factors as causative for his current disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to February 5, 2020 is being remanded due to the need for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including heart disease, hypertension, prostate disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, and orthopedic disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings of right and left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it relates to a period prior to December 31, 2016.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the right hand, finding that there is no current diagnosis of this condition and attributing any symptoms to his already service-connected fractures.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, arthritis of the left hip, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity due to incomplete records. The VA is required to obtain any outstanding pertinent VA treatment records and private treatment records related to the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to issue a supplemental statement of case.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as the Veteran's authorized representative withdrew all issues on appeal in a July 2022 letter.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder is related to her service-connected rheumatoid arthritis and has been granted. The low back condition and fibromyalgia remain under review.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions regarding his claimed back condition and bilateral knee conditions. The AOJ is required to obtain additional records, notify the Veteran of unavailable records, and schedule examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including rheumatoid arthritis affecting multiple joints, are remanded for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for arthritis, left wrist condition, and left shoulder condition due to incomplete compliance with previous directives. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it may be impacted by the decisions on these other issues.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee arthralgia and left knee arthralgia, but has remanded the issue of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis.