The Veteran's service-connected gout of multiple joints was rated at 40% prior to April 28, 2010. The Board denied an increased rating as there were no issues related to service connection and the evidence did not support a higher rating based on active process or chronic residuals.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's gout of multiple joints was rated under Diagnostic Code 5002 for direct service connection, without any presumption, secondary condition, aggravation, new and material evidence, or exposure basis. The Board found no issues related to service connection and the rating did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on active process or chronic residuals.
- Claimed conditions
- gout of multiple joints, osteoarthritis of the right knee and left elbow
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 21, 2013
- Citation
- 1305909
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 1305909.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gout of the wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and feet, as well as a skin disorder manifested by fungus of the left hand and fingernails. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was also established. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than any presumption or secondary theory.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to evaluate the appellant's various disorders.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide him with a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed arthritis and gout.
- Granted
The Veteran's gout of multiple joints, left ankle, left wrist, right wrist, left elbow, right elbow, left hand, right hand, left foot, and right foot have been granted increased disability ratings since June 4, 2010. The bursitis of the right knee has also been granted an increased disability rating.
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