Rheumatoid arthritis Board decisions

The Board has determined that there are new and material issues related to the Veteran's claims for increased ratings, propriety of a ratings reduction, and TDIU. The VA must obtain any outstanding treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records before these matters can be further adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to new evidence added since the last Statement of the Case. The claims will be reviewed again, including a TDIU claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities, as well as housebound status due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not establish that the Veteran was in need of regular aid and assistance or permanently housebound solely due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as there are insufficient medical opinions and new evidence needs to be considered.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, abdominal aortic aneurysm, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory disorders, vocal cord dysfunction, bilateral knee and shoulder disorders, lumbar spine disorder, and scars. The development includes obtaining service personnel records for the Veteran's periods of active duty and National Guard service, as well as verifying any qualifying periods of service.,The Board also notes that the Veteran has contended that his conditions are related to hazardous exposures during his period of active duty, including exposure to jet fuel and chemicals. The AOJ should attempt to verify these claims and obtain VA medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not suffer additional disability due to VA medical treatment, including intentional infliction of mental and emotional distress, twisted toes, failure by VA employees to provide foot treatment from 2001 through 2007, incorrect diagnosis of lupus, or failure and/or refusal to diagnose and treat angioedema.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for left knee strain have been denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's claims for skin cancer, cervical strain, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to resolve the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral pes planus, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and a left shoulder disability. The AOJ should obtain any outstanding medical records and provide an addendum opinion on each issue.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are denied. The Board found no evidence linking the claimed disabilities to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for rheumatoid arthritis involving multiple joints, right elbow, left elbow, right knee, left knee, right foot, and left foot. The AOJ must request a VA examination to determine the current severity of his rheumatoid arthritis and provide flare-up information.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea pedis. The Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disorder, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and migraines are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. The effective date for this award will be determined by the AOJ.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, but denied a higher rating. The case is remanded to determine if rheumatoid arthritis should be service connected as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, but further development is needed including obtaining Social Security records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and remanded the issues of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and memory loss. The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is granted, while his claims for rheumatoid arthritis and memory loss are denied due to lack of current disability.

The Board dismissed the appeals for rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus type II service connection claims due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and inextricably intertwined with his claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including migraines, depression, and physical impairments, have rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the severity of these conditions.