Rheumatoid arthritis Board decisions

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints is being remanded due to conflicting opinions on the progression and manifestations of the service-connected condition. Additional medical evidence, including blood RH Factor tests and x-ray reports, needs to be obtained.

The veteran is seeking service connection for degenerative joint disease of the hips, shoulders, and neck, as well as rheumatoid arthritis of the spine. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied as the evidence did not meet the schedular criteria for an increased evaluation in excess of the current ratings.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right hip and right knee disabilities, including rheumatoid arthritis, finding that there is no evidence of a link between his current conditions and his active service.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the veteran's SFW residuals, right calf, ankle, and foot with scars, effective June 11, 2001. The claim for service connection for polymyalgia rheumatica (rheumatoid arthritis) as secondary to his service-connected SFW residuals has also been granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, finding that rheumatoid arthritis did not contribute to the veteran's death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma and headaches. The Board found no competent evidence to show that the veteran had current asthma or headache disorders incurred in or aggravated by service. Service connection was not granted for rheumatoid arthritis of the knees and toes due to lack of medical nexus between the condition and service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left ankle disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation, which is more severe than the current 20 percent rating. The evidence shows marked limitation of motion and other symptoms consistent with this higher rating.

The veteran is seeking service connection for rheumatoid arthritis. The VA has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the etiology of any currently diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis and whether it is related to active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for her degenerative arthritis of both knees, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The veteran's claimed conditions were not first manifested in service and are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not have peripheral neuritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the right and left lower extremities during service, nor can they be linked to service. Therefore, his claims for these conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not attributable to Agent Orange exposure and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions were not incurred or aggravated during service and denied all claims.

The veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is rated at 20 percent, effective April 1991.,Her right and left knee patellofemoral syndromes are each rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of rheumatic fever, but denied his claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The Board found that there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease, finding no evidence of current disabilities related to his active duty service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence is not new and material to reopen the claim of service connection for the cause of the veteran's death. The appellant's claims have been previously addressed, and the current assertions are considered cumulative.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not related to any inservice injuries.

The Board's November 1956 decision denying restoration of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic heart disease is revised to grant such connection as if it had been granted at the time.