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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 23025481.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of various body parts due to in-service exposure to hazardous materials, as an addendum opinion is needed.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine was granted a 20 percent rating from December 8, 2021, to October 12, 2022, while other claims for increased ratings were denied.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the hands, feet, and left ankle based on a nexus to in-service injuries.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding whether his lumbar condition is a congenital defect or disease, and if so, whether it was aggravated by military service. The Veteran also seeks service connection for radiculopathy of both lower extremities.
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