The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and related disabilities, including cervical spine degenerative arthritis, left hip replacement, and degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, were evaluated. The rating for active process rheumatoid arthritis was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher than 40 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis was rated at 40 percent based on symptom combinations productive of definite impairment of health objectively supported by examination findings or incapacitating exacerbations occurring three or more times a year. The Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as he had four or more non-incapacitating exacerbations during the past year.
- Claimed conditions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cervical Spine Degenerative Arthritis, Spinal Fusion, Spondylolisthesis and IVDS, Left Hip Replacement, Degenerative Arthritis of the Left Ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 6, 2024
- Citation
- A24023283
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 A24023283.
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Related decisions
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- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU was denied. The left hip replacement did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and no separate or higher ratings were assigned under other diagnostic codes.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a compensable disability rating for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is dismissed due to untimeliness of the Notice of Disagreement.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction prior to February 12, 2025, is denied. The Veteran's claim is remanded as there was no examination addressing his left ankle degenerative arthritis and whether it could be a MUCMI or aggravated by his left knee condition.,The appeal of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle prior to February 12, 2025, is remanded due to lack of an adequate VA opinion.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting SMC based on the need for aid and attendance from March 24, 2017.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, and a compensable disability evaluation for pseudofolliculitis barbae.
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