The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints was denied by the Board, as it is not shown to be manifested by constitutional manifestations associated with active joint involvement that are totally incapacitating; nor is it shown to be manifested by ankylosis or limitation of motion in any joint.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected rheumatoid arthritis did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as there was no evidence of constitutional manifestations, ankylosis, or significant limitation of motion that would warrant a combined rating higher than 60 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 19, 2010
- Citation
- 1039128
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1039128.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain clarification on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis, including whether it had its onset during or within one year of service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to support reopening of his claims. The appeals are remanded for further development including VA examinations and opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran’s current conditions and his military service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis of multiple joints, left shoulder, right wrist, left wrist, left hand, right hand, and left knee were evaluated based on their respective disabilities. The rating was granted for the left shoulder, wrists, hands, hips/thighs, and knees.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's spinal disease and arthritis of multiple joints did not manifest within one year after service, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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