Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2019

The Veteran's former wife, the appellant, is not a proper claimant for compensation for disabilities caused by exposure to herbicide agents. The criteria for such benefits have not been met.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and migratory inflammatory polyarthritis has been reopened due to the submission of new medical evidence. The case is now remanded for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus as a residual of rheumatic fever, finding that there is no evidence linking the condition to the in-service illness.,There is also no current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis found during the appeal period.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and diverticulitis are granted service connection, with hypertension receiving a 10% initial rating. The Board found reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran for his rheumatoid arthritis and diverticulitis claims due to Camp Lejeune exposure.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Board granted service connection for prostate cancer, finding that it was as likely as not caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and right knee disorder have been reopened, but the issues are being remanded due to incomplete records and need further development.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, macular scars, rheumatoid arthritis, osteopenia, and a bilateral knee condition as there was insufficient evidence of current disabilities for VA compensation purposes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances due to service-connected disabilities, finding that the issued braces and medications do not cause wear and tear or irreparable damage to his clothing.

The Board has determined that the claims for hepatitis C, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), hypertension, edema, loss of vision, rheumatoid arthritis, and porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) are inextricably intertwined due to the relationship between these conditions and hepatitis C. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, is found to be at least as likely as not related to his service-connected disabilities.,It is also determined that the Veteran’s headaches are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's knee brace, back brace, and shoe inserts are not found to qualify for an annual clothing allowance as they do not tend to wear or tear his clothing.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the service connection claims related to rheumatoid arthritis and migraines/headaches due to potential medical opinions needed.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to insufficient evidence or need for additional development. The effective date of benefits is not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues on appeal, including service connection claims and disability rating claims. As a result, the Board dismissed all of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, bilateral hip disability, and heart disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.,VA is seeking to determine the current severity of the Veteran’s service-connected back disability and right knee disability.