The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is not productive of more than a 40 percent evaluation, and his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis results in more severe impairment than currently evaluated, nor does it establish that his service-connected conditions render him unemployable.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints, multiple basal cell carcinomas
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 9, 2009
- Citation
- 0904609
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 matter of entitlement to service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints for a clarifying medical opinion, including addressing a theory of presumptive service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran is entitled to an initial evaluation of 60 percent for the residuals of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.