The Veteran's appeal for a separate rating for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral pes cavus associated with RA is currently rated at 10 percent and the VA examination did not adequately assess his flare-ups, but the preponderance of evidence still supports denying an increased rating.,The Veteran's bilateral thumbs associated with RA are currently rated at 10 percent and the VA examination did not provide sufficient information to support a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral index fingers associated with RA are currently rated at 10 percent and the VA examination did not provide sufficient information to support a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral long fingers associated with RA are currently rated at 10 percent and the VA examination did not provide sufficient information to support a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral ring fingers associated with RA are currently rated at noncompensable (0%) as there is no compensable schedular rating available.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not meet the criteria for a separate rating for rheumatoid arthritis, and the VA examination did not provide sufficient information to support higher ratings for pes cavus, thumbs, index fingers, long fingers, or ring fingers.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 1, 2021
- Citation
- 21011306
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 21011306.
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: Denied
The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there was no evidence to support direct service connection or any other theory of entitlement.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on a direct basis, finding that the Veteran's condition is related to his in-service exposure to burn pits and other environmental toxins during his Southwest Asia service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis as there was no evidence of a current disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection due to outstanding records of private treatment and a lack of VA medical opinions.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.