Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2024

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is granted a rating of 40 percent, and her bilateral pes planus and right foot conditions are also granted service connection. The Veteran's radiculopathy and bunionectomy with osteotomy, left foot disabilities have been denied initial increased ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of various rheumatoid arthritis conditions, finding that no formal claim was submitted within one year of her intent to file and that she did not submit a completed VA Form 21-526EZ as required.

The appeal for readjudication of previously denied claims related to hypertension, heart disability, GERD, peripheral neuropathy, PTSD with anxiety and depression, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory disorder are dismissed as they were already addressed in a December 2023 Board decision.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of erectile dysfunction, metastatic disease (lung), and chronic rheumatoid arthritis as secondary to adult acute monoblastic leukemia due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back condition and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, both secondary to the Veteran's in-service injuries. The Veteran's current conditions are considered service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors, and additional medical opinions are needed regarding the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been withdrawn due to the Veteran's representative requesting withdrawal of all appeals.,All appeals for service connection have been dismissed as per the Veteran's representative's requests.

The Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis and related disabilities are found to prevent him from working, and the case is being referred for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's death was caused by multiple conditions, including diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and hyperlipidemia. The Board found that these conditions were not service-connected.,The appellant sought service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to his service, but provided no specific evidence supporting this claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis was denied, and her claims for service connection of radiculopathies in the upper and lower extremities were also denied. The Board found no evidence to support direct service connection or secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that rheumatoid arthritis had its onset during service and granted the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left hip, right hip, left shoulder, and right shoulder rheumatoid arthritis are granted. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its relationship to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallux rigidus of the right foot, and hallux rigidus of the left foot due to lack of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as he has not provided a VA Form 21-8940, and his employment status is unclear. The Board cannot evaluate the economic and noneconomic components of the substantially gainful employment standard.

An effective date of December 11, 2015, but no earlier, for service connection of constrictive bronchiolitis is granted.,Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, anal or perianal fistula, and sleep apnea is granted based on the PACT Act provisions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, including the hearing request, before a decision was made. As a result, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for asthma, degenerative arthritis (also claimed as rheumatoid arthritis), and left hip condition have been denied due to a lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,There is no indication in the record that the Veteran was exposed to any specific hazards or substances during his military service that could be linked to his current conditions.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, COPD, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis as the evidence did not establish a relationship to service.,Specifically, the Veteran's military records were silent on any diagnosis or treatment of these conditions. The private medical records from 2023 indicated diagnoses but did not relate them to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoporosis with IVDS and radiculopathy, right lower extremity are being remanded to allow for further development and examination.