Rheumatoid arthritis Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore denied his claim for TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis, finding no evidence of current disabilities due to these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the hands and knees, finding no current disease or disability related to active military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic fever result in loss of use of both hands and feet, qualifying him for special monthly compensation based on these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder, cataracts of the eyes, and rheumatoid arthritis as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence submitted did not provide new and material information that would change the outcome.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis does not currently have active symptoms or associated chronic residuals, and thus denied his claim for an increased rating.

The veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation of his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis was denied by the RO. The RO granted an increased evaluation to 40 percent effective February 24, 1998, but did not address the veteran's claim for extraschedular consideration or secondary service connection for loss of visual acuity.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance, finding that there was no evidence of a need for such benefits prior to June 7, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of hypothermia, cause of death, and Dependents' Educational Assistance benefits. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for dependency and indemnity compensation based on VA treatment for service-connected disability in July 1994, finding that new evidence did not support reopening of her claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, Marie-Strumpell type, sacro-iliac joints due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain was granted a 40 percent evaluation effective October 28, 1998. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, and depression, chronic fatigue, and migraine headaches as secondary to his service-connected low back disability. The claim for an increased evaluation for lumbar scoliosis was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date prior to September 24, 1998 for a 100 percent rating for his service-connected psychiatric disorder and denied service connection for rheumatoid anklyosing spondylitis (also claimed as a neck disorder).

The veteran's claim for service connection for seronegative rheumatoid arthritis was denied as there is no evidence of the condition during his active duty or within one year after discharge.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis. The claim is granted as the evidence supports a finding of service connection.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including hypothyroidism, hemorrhoids, myopia, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and residuals of Epstein-Barr virus infection. The veteran's claims were found to lack sufficient evidence to support the assertions.

The Board has granted increased disability ratings of 20 percent for rheumatoid arthritis of the right knee and left knee, effective from January 1947.

The Board denied reopening the claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary tuberculosis due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lower back disability warrants a 40 percent evaluation, which is the highest rating available under VA's musculoskeletal rating criteria.