The Board found that the Veteran does not have a separate and distinct disability characterized by rheumatoid arthritis, as his symptoms are consistent with his service-connected SLE, bilateral total hip replacements, lumbar strain, and systemic inflammatory arthritis of the hands. Therefore, service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's current combined rating for the orthopedic manifestations of SLE resulted in a higher rating than that which may be assigned for SLE under its diagnostic code, making it unlikely that he has a separate and distinct disability characterized by rheumatoid arthritis.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), chronic lumbar strain, systemic inflammatory arthritis of the bilateral hands
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 12, 2012
- Citation
- 1224255
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 1224255.
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 Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis disability rating is being remanded for additional development due to significant weight loss and anemia.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and hepatic steatosis have been denied. The claim for rheumatoid arthritis is being remanded.,Service connection has not been established for the claimed conditions.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome is granted.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset in service or as a result of a disease or injury in active service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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