Rheumatoid arthritis Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for left shoulder septic arthritis due to a VA procedure, as well as the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis renders him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his inability to dress, prepare meals, use hearing aids, drive safely, and leave unassisted without safety issues. Special monthly compensation is granted based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and his claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the remaining issues on appeal due to a lack of current evidence of these conditions. The Veteran's claims for emphysema, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and arthritis are being remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for a left leg brace and skin cancer of the ears, but granted service connection for left leg deep vein thromboses as part of his service-connected peripheral arterial/vascular disease. The claims for rheumatoid arthritis and left leg neurological disability (drop foot) are being remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the feet, toes, wrists, and knees and diabetes mellitus. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. The new evidence received since the last final denial supports a finding of service connection for right knee, left knee, radiculopathy of the lower left extremity, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, numbness in the hands and feet, and a breathing and throat condition to obtain missing service treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for Bechet's disease, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and rheumatoid arthritis due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be causally related to service. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for osteopenia and rheumatoid arthritis of the left hand, right hand with osteoarthritis of the thumb, and lumbosacral strain. The decision is subject to the provisions governing the award of monetary benefits.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, and increased rating for a painful cesarean scar were dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawals of her appeals. The appeal for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for a painful cesarean scar was also dismissed.,The claim for service connection for bilateral knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) with degenerative wear was reopened and granted, while the claim for OSA was granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, effectively dismissing the case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.,The Veteran seeks service connection for a heart condition, which he contends is related to his active military service. The Board finds VA must provide such examination pursuant to McLendon.,The Veteran seeks service connection for stroke, which could significantly impact a decision on the issue of entitlement to service connection for epilepsy. The issues are inextricably intertwined and thus require remand.,The Veteran seeks service connection for epilepsy, which could significantly impact a decision on the issue of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea. The issues are inextricably intertwined and thus require remand.,The Veteran seeks service connection for brain tumors, which he contends originated in service and continues to the present. As stated above, the Veteran’s exposure to Agent Orange has been conceded. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain such examination pursuant to McLendon.,The Veteran seeks service connection for sleep apnea, which could significantly impact a decision on the issue of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The issues are inextricably intertwined and thus require remand.,The Veteran seeks service connection for lung condition, which he contends originated in service and continues to the present. As stated above, the Veteran’s exposure to Agent Orange has been conceded. VA treatment records reflect reports of asthma. Though the record does not contain a definitive diagnosis of asthma or other lung condition, based on his education and training the Veteran is competent to offer evidence of a current disability or persistent or recurrent symptoms of a disability. The Board finds a remand is necessary to obtain such examination pursuant to McLendon.,The Veteran seeks service connection for residuals of an inguinal hernia, which he contends originated in service and continues to the present. The service treatment records show a diagnosis of right inguinal hernia in May 1963 and an inguinal hernioplasty in June 1963. The Board finds VA must provide such examination pursuant to McLendon.,The Veteran seeks service connection for diverticulitis, which he contends originated in service and continues to the present. As stated above, the Veteran’s exposure to Agent Orange has been conceded. The Veteran underwent a private colonoscopy in July 2016. The colonoscopy report reflects a diagnosis of diverticulitis and polyps. Further, STRs dated January 1966 show reports of abdominal pain, epigastric tenderness, and intermittent indigestion over a period of three months. The Board finds VA must provide such examination pursuant to McLendon.,The Veteran seeks service connection for polyps, which could significantly impact a decision on the issue of service connection for diverticulitis. The issues are inextricably intertwined and thus require remand.,The Veteran seeks service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, which he contends originated in service and continues to the present. He alleges this condition was caused or aggravated by his inguinal hernia and the 'wear and tear' associated with his military training. Alternatively, he alleges that his rheumatoid arthritis was a result of Agent Orange exposure. The Board finds VA must provide such examination pursuant to McLendon.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unresolved medical questions regarding the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in service and its aggravation.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, but remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the bilateral hands was reopened and granted. Service connection is also granted for right foot plantar fasciitis/tendonitis, TMJ syndrome, and bilateral patellofemoral knee syndrome. The issue of increased rating for right ankle condition remains pending.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on several conditions due to his withdrawal of those claims at a hearing.

The Veteran's application to reopen her claim for service connection of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is granted. Service connection for SLE is denied. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied. The issue of service connection for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) secondary to SLE is remanded.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the nature and cause of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, low back disability, bilateral knee disability, respiratory disorder (scar tissue of the lungs), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).