Rheumatoid arthritis Board decisions

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis was granted, and the effective date is set at January 13, 1984. The decision also grants entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) starting from March 1, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a thyroid disorder, heart disorder, arthritis of the shoulders, feet, and hands, left elbow cubital tunnel syndrome, and bilateral inguinal hernia.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation, as there is no objective radiographic, clinical, or serological evidence of current rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death and did not grant an evaluation in excess of 60 percent disabling for rheumatoid arthritis of the spine.

The veteran's vocal cord disability is rated at 50% effective July 27, 1999. The condition was found to be complete paralysis of the left true vocal cord.

The Board has determined that the appellant requires regular aid and attendance due to her disabilities, which qualifies her for special monthly pension based on this need.

The veteran's permanent and total disability due to rheumatoid arthritis has been granted for pension purposes, with a rating of 100% effective as of the date of the decision.

The veteran's death was attributed to multiple pulmonary emboli, with rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions contributing. The appeal is for service connection for the cause of death and dependent's educational assistance under Chapter 35. Further development is needed to obtain relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts, malaria, dysentery, asthma, and dizziness, were not incurred or aggravated by active service.

The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 40 percent for seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, as the veteran's symptoms are currently manifested by definite impairment but not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found that the veteran's rheumatoid arthritis did not begin during her period of active duty service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board found that the December 15, 1971 rating decision assigning a 20 percent disability rating for arthralgia of the shoulders as a residual of rheumatic fever constituted clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The effective date was set at November 13, 1987 for a 30 percent evaluation for arthralgia of the right shoulder and a 20 percent evaluation for arthralgia of the left shoulder. However, the Board also found that an earlier effective date than March 26, 1998 was not warranted for the current ratings.

The Board granted an effective date of October 9, 2001 for the assignment of a combined 60 percent evaluation for inactive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of multiple joints.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis of the left hip, currently rated at 10 percent. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as there is no objective confirmation of limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for rheumatoid arthritis and a TDIU, citing inadequate medical findings on file and the need for further development of his claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that the current evaluations were appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The veteran's loss of use of both feet due to service-connected arteriospastic disease is established, allowing for financial assistance from the VA.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to an effective date of October 1, 1978 for the award of DIC pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to lack of evidence linking pancreatic cancer, which was the cause of death, to service or any service-connected disability. The claim for basic eligibility for dependents' educational assistance benefits under Chapter 35 also failed as the veteran did not meet the criteria.