The Board has granted service connection for essential tremors and right hand contracture, finding that these conditions are related to active service. Service connection for generalized arthritis is not well-grounded.
The deciding factor: The veteran's positive rheumatoid factor test in 1981 was noted by the VA examiner as indicating an inactive inflammatory reaction consistent with rheumatoid arthritis, and the veteran has no outward signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Claimed conditions
- essential tremors, right hand contracture, generalized arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 17, 2000
- Citation
- 0007309
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0007309.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for essential tremors to correct errors in fulfilling the duty to assist, specifically related to an inadequate examination and opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for essential tremors to obtain an addendum VA medical opinion addressing the etiology of the condition, including its potential relation to service and secondary causes.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and a skin disability but granted service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatica) as secondary to service-connected lumbar strain and an initial 10 percent disability rating for essential tremors.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for essential tremors, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.
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