Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2025

The Board granted service connection for a left knee disability, diagnosed as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms had their onset in service. The issue of service connection for arthritis, to include a right knee disability, was remanded for further consideration.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, to include as secondary to service-connected migraine headaches, for an addendum VA opinion that provides a rationale and considers pertinent evidence of record.

The Board remands the service connection claims for rheumatoid arthritis and obstructive sleep apnea to obtain an opinion on whether these conditions were aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus type I and rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints, as well as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and diabetic retinopathy, due to inadequate medical opinions regarding their relationship to in-service toxic exposure.

The Board denied service connection for liver disease, arthritis, psychiatric disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or caused by active military service.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and disabilities affecting each finger as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease, including exposure to toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs).

The Board granted service connection for left elbow and left-hand disabilities from March 1, 2021, and right elbow and shoulder disabilities as secondary to rheumatoid arthritis. The claim for cysts was denied.

The Board remands the matter for a new examination to properly evaluate the severity of the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis, discounting the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board granted service connection for right knee rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis but denied service connection for impaired fertility.

The Board granted service connection for headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected maxillary sinusitis and fibromyalgia, but denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and deviated nasal septum.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a left knee condition, rheumatological condition, and tinnitus to obtain additional evidence and examinations.

The Board granted an effective date of April 7, 2009, for service-connected rheumatoid arthritis and scars, but denied increased ratings for the same conditions.

The Board granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as special monthly compensation based on a need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board granted service connection for right and left chronic achilles tendonitis, right and left hand rheumatoid arthritis, Steven Johnson Syndrome, and an initial rating of 70 percent for Other Specified Trauma and Stressor-related disorder. The back disability claim was denied.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for chloracne, skin cancer, rhinophyma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lung condition due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, type II, sleep apnea, prostate cancer, urinary incontinence, residuals of gallbladder removal, gout, low back disability, and a TDIU prior to April 20, 2023.

The Board remands the claims for further development and correction of pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee instability, rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints, and residuals status post fracture of the left femur.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for a left shoulder disability, as secondary to a service-connected neck disability, due to an inadequate VA medical opinion.

The Board granted service connection for sero negative rheumatoid arthritis of the left hand, fingers, and wrist; right hand, fingers, and wrist; left knee; and right knee due to toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) during service.