Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2024

The Veteran's multi-joint rheumatoid arthritis and right ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease are granted initial ratings of 10 percent each, effective June 14, 2019. The decision also grants an increased rating to 60 percent for rheumatoid arthritis as of March 1, 2023.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to October 1, 2015 is remanded due to the failure to consider evidence of Rice TDIU and refer it to VA's Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and gastrointestinal disorder due to outstanding VA records and a lack of VA examinations. The PACT Act is also applicable in this case.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of radiculopathy affecting the left femoral nerve, right sciatic nerve, and left sciatic nerve were denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis are remanded for further development, including obtaining medical nexus opinions regarding the relationship to service and toxic exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to address the severity of his cervical spine symptoms and whether he needs regular aid and attendance due to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted based on her service-connected migraines. The combined rating of all service-connected disabilities is at least 60%, meeting the criteria for SMC housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right hip disabilities, as well as radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, all secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including left knee replacement, right foot drop, and bilateral knee disabilities, have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his physical limitations.

The AOJ denied service connection for right and left hip disorders, but the Board finds that a remand is needed to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for esophageal web, bulging hernia, tubular adenoma of colon, atrial fibrillation, and cerebral infraction are denied as there is no probative evidence that these disabilities began during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's claim for rheumatoid arthritis is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed RA is at least as likely as not related to his active-duty service, including asbestos exposure during sea service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for RA is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hemochromatosis of the right upper extremity have been dismissed due to a withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Veteran's headache, Sjogren's syndrome (including dry eye syndrome), systemic lupus erythematosus, and Raynaud's syndrome disabilities are found to be related to her service exposure. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C and determined that the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and cirrhosis are secondary to his service-connected hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection has been dismissed due to their death. The Board cannot issue a decision on the claims as they are no longer pending.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection has been dismissed due to their death. The Board cannot issue a decision on the underlying claims as they are no longer pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his physical conditions, including knee, hip, and back issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for eczema, psychomotor epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's disease due to Agent Orange exposure. The VA is required to provide additional etiology opinions regarding these conditions.