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.
The deciding factor: Medical opinions support the finding that the Veteran's RA is at least as likely as not related to his in-service TERA, including presumed exposures related to Persian Gulf service, ionizing radiation, asbestos, and other environmental or occupational toxins.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- November 24, 2025
- Citation
- A25101641
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