Rheumatoid arthritis Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for rheumatoid arthritis of the feet with pes cavus, finding that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are not related to his service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The VA examiner opined that it is less likely than not that any diagnosis of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hands incurred in or was a result of the Veteran's service.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet the criteria for unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis and a right shoulder disability, both claimed as bone pain.,There is no current diagnosis of rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis associated with the Veteran's bone pain.

The Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus type II have been rated at the minimum disability ratings, with no evidence of more severe symptomatology warranting higher evaluations.

The Board found that the Veteran's glaucoma and rheumatoid arthritis did not have their onset during service or within one year of separation, and there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service. As a result, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and employment information. The case will be readjudicated after the completion of these actions.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is not service connected.,The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left middle finger does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is presumed due to herbicide exposure in service. The claim for rheumatoid arthritis has been reopened, but the Board finds insufficient evidence to establish a connection between the condition and service.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine conditions are found to have been aggravated by service, warranting service connection.,Bilateral hearing loss is not supported by the evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability, finding that it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected pes planus. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis is not related to her active service and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Board denied all claims, including those for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and organic diseases of the nervous system (other than already service-connected tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss). The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to a service-connected disability was also denied. No effective date earlier than May 29, 2013 for SMC benefits is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing at the local RO. The issues of service connection and TDIU are still pending.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis of the hands, knees, ankles, and feet was granted service connection based on its relationship to his service-connected rheumatic valvular heart disease. The heart disorder issue remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete VA treatment records and a need for additional medical opinions regarding his service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the service connection of his left hip disability, including whether it is secondary to or aggravated by his service-connected left ankle and thoracolumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis affecting the bilateral knees was rated at 40 percent prior to November 26, 2008. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence showed a slight limitation in range of motion and no incapacitating episodes.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and neck disorder, both claimed as rheumatoid arthritis. The Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.,For the period from February 7, 2008 to April 2, 2008, the Veteran did not have any source of income qualifying him for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and therefore, his service connection claim for this condition is denied.