Rheumatoid arthritis Board decisions

The Veteran is seeking service connection for left ankle arthritis and gout with rheumatoid arthritis. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain medical records, arrange for an examination, and determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and granted it, finding that new and material evidence was received. Service connection is now established for rheumatoid arthritis. The other issues on appeal remain denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis. The Veteran's current rheumatoid arthritis is found to have had its onset during military service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis disabilities are not supported by the evidence of record, and thus have been denied.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's stomach disorder and rheumatoid arthritis are not causally or etiologically related to service, including exposure to an herbicidal agent.

The Veteran's multiple-joint arthritis, left and right knee patella tendonitis, and left wrist ganglion cyst were all found to be likely incurred during his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right ankle laxity. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will also be addressed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, including secondary to his service-connected Hepatitis C, has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis is not causally or etiologically due to service and did not manifest within one year of separation from active service.

The Board has granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulders, elbows, hands, wrists, and right ankle with a noncompensable rating effective May 7, 2008. However, the Veteran's claim is still pending as additional development is required.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral lower extremity disability, including rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, as it precludes him from performing the physical demands of his former profession as a plumber/pipe fitter.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is not service connected, as there is no evidence of its onset during or within one year after service. The VA examiner and physician have provided opinions indicating that the arthritis is more likely related to his work environment post-service rather than his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematous has been remanded to the RO/AMC for additional development. The rating for incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve in the right lower extremity remains under review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis (other than rheumatoid) of multiple joints, including cervical spine, left foot, wrists, hands, elbows, ankles and lumbar spine. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the elbows and left hand were denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during his military service.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, including his COPD and PTSD. The VA examiner found no direct correlation between the Veteran's asbestos exposure and his COPD.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and thus cannot establish service connection for this condition. The claim for gout is inextricably intertwined with the kidney disorder claim as the Veteran testified that his gout was secondary to his kidney disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the Veteran's respiratory disorders and their relationship to service.