Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2026

The Board has granted service connection for anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD) and its associated conditions including interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Raynaud's syndrome. The decision also grants secondary service connection for these conditions as they are manifestations of ASSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a hysterectomy is denied as her hysterectomy was not related to her active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his condition, as well as an evaluation of his exposure to toxic substances during service.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for type II diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis, but has remanded the claim for obesity as secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has found that the remand instructions have not been completed as directed and another remand is necessary for further evaluation of the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether his condition qualifies as a MUCMI related to his Persian Gulf service and whether it is directly related to his in-service burn pit exposures.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for Hashimoto's disease with hypothyroidism and complications is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (LLE), and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (RLE) are all granted as secondary to his now service-connected lumbar spine disability. The bilateral foot plantar fasciitis is also granted as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal before the Board could make a decision on her service connection claims for various conditions.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is granted as secondary to her service-connected conditions, including asthma, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, kidney condition, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, and diabetes mellitus type II. These conditions are proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, Hepatitis C and fatty liver, tinea versicolor with eczema, radiculopathy of the left and lower extremities, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since December 3, 2020. The Board granted an earlier effective date for TDIU based on this evidence.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is denied.,The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety disorder, PTSD, depression and insomnia, is dismissed as the benefit was already granted in a previous decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or permanent loss of use of a hand or foot, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ankylosis of one or both knees or hips, or permanent impairment of vision. Therefore, the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of one automobile or other conveyance with necessary automotive adaptive equipment are not met.

The Board denied the Veteran's motions for revision of the September 18, 1974, Rating Decision regarding service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and a nervous condition. The decision found no clear and unmistakable error in the denial of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain syndrome, lower body are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between his conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was granted with an effective date of February 4, 2003.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current rheumatoid arthritis is more likely caused or aggravated by his use of tobacco products, which began during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and service connection of hypertension, which is a known risk factor for cardiomyopathies. The Veteran's death was caused by myocardial infarction, non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to clarify his diagnoses and determine if service connection can be established.