The Veteran's appeal is denied for evaluations in excess of 10 percent for rheumatoid arthritis of the left (minor) elbow, prior to July 24, 2020; and for rheumatoid arthritis of the right (major) elbow, since July 24, 2020. The appeal is also denied for evaluations in excess of 10 percent for rheumatoid arthritis of other joints including left shoulder, wrist, foot, knee, ankle, hip.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating as the Veteran's elbow joint conditions do not meet the criteria for any higher evaluation under Diagnostic Codes 5206 or 5213. The VA examination reports indicate that the Veteran's range of motion is within normal limits and there is no additional limitation on function during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis of the left (minor) elbow, rheumatoid arthritis of the right (major) elbow, rheumatoid arthritis of the left (minor) shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis of the right (major) shoulder, rheumatoid arthritis of the right (major) hand, rheumatoid arthritis of the left foot, rheumatoid arthritis of the right foot, rheumatoid arthritis of the left knee, rheumatoid arthritis of the right knee, rheumatoid arthritis of the left ankle, rheumatoid arthritis of the right ankle, rheumatoid arthritis of the right hip
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 3, 2023
- Citation
- 23025481
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 23025481.
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).
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