Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2024

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis with gout, COPD, cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), tendonitis, erectile dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus, type II. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of any of these conditions.,Service connection was also denied for acid reflux disease as it is not service-connected on a secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the claims for right temporal arteritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to incomplete development, including missing VA treatment records and TERA examinations. The Veteran's exposure history is also under review.

The Veteran's spouse is in need of regular aid and attendance due to disabilities including Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and incontinence. The Board has granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's May 6, 2023 ambulance transportation to the Kansas City VA Medical Center was medically required and related to an emergency involving COVID-19. The Veteran is unable to defray the cost of this transport.,For January 3, 2023 ambulance expenses, additional records are needed from the ambulance provider and any prior claims/applications for reimbursement.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been granted, with the effective date set at November 7, 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, autoimmune disorder (claimed as lupus), migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, and bilateral carpal tunnel due to potential service connection based on exposure to environmental and chemical hazards during her periods of active duty.

The Board has granted a TDIU from October 19, 2010 to September 29, 2011 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral foot condition, left ankle condition, and right foot condition. Service connection was denied for a right ankle condition, left knee condition, right knee condition, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and generalized osteoarthritis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis, which is presumed to be related to her military occupational specialty as a dental technician. The examiner should consider all toxic exposures through her work and any synergistic effects.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints, including hands, knees, elbows, feet, and shoulders, due to herbicide exposure. The case requires an addendum opinion from a medical professional to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals as there was a full grant of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus in September 2023, with alcohol and drug abuse included in the diagnosis.

The Board has decided that the issue of whether the Veteran's right elbow tendonitis is related to his service-connected disabilities, including osteoarthritis of the shoulder and radiculopathy, needs further clarification. The case is being remanded for an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to September 4, 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claim for service connection based on herbicide exposure. The Veteran claims his rheumatoid arthritis is related to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete opinion regarding service connection for rheumatoid arthritis. The Veteran's claim is reopened based on new evidence, but further evaluation is needed.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded for a new examination to assess current severity and functional impact. His stomach and kidney conditions are also remanded for examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and associated hip and nerve conditions, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment since April 15, 2013. The Board has granted a finding of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for left knee instability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities has been dismissed as moot. The Veteran is already receiving a combined 100% disability rating, which covers multiple conditions including his knee issues, arthritis, PTSD with depression, sleep disorder, concentration and memory issues, and autoimmune disease. As none of these conditions alone prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, the TDIU issue has been dismissed as moot.

The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and right foot plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to her military service.,Specifically, the Board determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine condition is due to an in-service injury, while her right foot plantar fasciitis is secondary to her left foot plantar fasciitis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to provide a VA examination, which was necessary given the Veteran's long history of left hip pain and potential arthritis.