Rheumatoid arthritis Board decisions

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 40 percent, which is the highest available rating under the applicable diagnostic code. The claim for rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative disc disease was granted.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected disabilities. The claim for increased rating of the thoracolumbar spine disability, including myofascial syndrome of the lumbar spine with degenerative joint disease, is denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was manifested by moderate incomplete paralysis for the entirety of the appeal period. The claim for increased rating in excess of 10 percent is denied as there are no findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to IVDS.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of lumbar strain with intervertebral disc disease, right leg radiculopathy, and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy are rated at 40 percent from September 13, 2016. The claim for a higher initial rating is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected right leg radiculopathy is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board found no evidence of a service-connected back disability, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or right ankle and bilateral leg disabilities. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to her military service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The evidence did not show constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement which are totally incapacitating, thus preventing a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left foot disability, right foot disability, and generalized arthritis (gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis) have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal for these issues during a July 2017 Board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU prior to April 7, 2010. The combined rating was less than 70% and none of her conditions were rated at 60%. She worked through 2009 and had limitations due to her disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeals.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, hepatitis (claimed as liver disorder), lung disorder, heart disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, left shoulder disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The decision found no evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for rheumatoid arthritis with residuals of the elbows, hands, and feet due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology. The issue of service connection for a right eye disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, irritable bowel syndrome, a cervical spine disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, and PTSD are denied. The evidence does not support these claims.

The Veteran's mother is not entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound due to service-connected disability, as SMC in this context is limited to a surviving parent. The criteria for SMC are not met.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent since May 15, 2009. The Veteran has not met the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for both his heart disability and arthritic condition claims. The Board found no current diagnosis of a heart disability, and the Veteran did not have an arthritic disorder that began during service or is otherwise related to service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection and granted them, finding that new and material evidence was received. Service connection is established for bilateral pes planus, left ankle degenerative arthritis, right and left foot equinus deformities, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. Rheumatoid arthritis is not service connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) is denied. The appeal does not involve a determination regarding service connection.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis.,The VA examiner opined that the Veteran's gout is less likely as not caused by cold feet sensation in service. The Veteran was diagnosed with primary hypertension after discharge from service, and it is less likely related to service due to eclampsia resolution post-delivery of a baby in 1983.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for hypertension.

The Board is remanding the case to obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis was aggravated by his service-connected conditions, including residuals of left femur fracture with arthritis of the left hip and knee. The appeal will be returned for further adjudication.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision of both eyes. Therefore, she is not eligible for automotive and/or specially adapted equipment.