The Board has granted a 20% rating for the veteran's service-connected Reiter's Syndrome with multiple arthritides, effective from June 1, 2004. The condition is rated under DC 5002 as chronic residuals of rheumatoid arthritis.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the veteran's right and left shoulders are more likely than not related to his service-connected Reiter's syndrome, with accompanying degenerative arthritis in both shoulders and his lower back. The veteran's range of motion for both shoulders approximated shoulder level, but after repetitive motion, it was even more limited. For his right shoulder, the examiner noted occasional aching pain exacerbated by activity and lifting, but no indicators of DeLuca present. For his left shoulder, the examiner found weakened movement against resistance with increase and excess fatigability. The veteran's lower back condition is rated under DC 5002 as chronic residuals of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Claimed conditions
- Reiter's Syndrome with multiple arthritides, Reiter's syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 21, 2005
- Citation
- 0519896
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 0519896.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, Reiter's syndrome, and lumbar spine disability have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a hearing loss disability for VA purposes and that his service-connected disabilities do not warrant an earlier effective date.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of August 2, 2012 for the establishment of service connection for Reiter's syndrome with degenerative arthritis of cervical spine and obstructive sleep apnea.
- Partly granted
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for Reiter's syndrome and granted service connection for ulcerative colitis as secondary to Reiter's syndrome, effective December 11, 2001.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's sleep apnea, specifically whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected Reiter's syndrome and foot disabilities.
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