Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that there are new and material evidence to add the propriety of a ratings reduction for hemorrhoids to the characterization of the claim. The Veteran's representative has also raised a claim for TDIU, which is part of his increased rating claims.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine as secondary to flat feet with heel spurs and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to new evidence added since the December 2014 Statement of the Case. The claims will be reviewed by the AOJ, including a right lower extremity radiculopathy examination.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as there are insufficient medical opinions and new evidence needs to be considered.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities, as well as his claim for special monthly compensation by reason of being housebound due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not establish that he was in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound solely as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, abdominal aortic aneurysm, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory disorders, vocal cord dysfunction, bilateral knee and shoulder disorders, lumbar spine disorder, and scars. The development includes obtaining service personnel records for the Veteran's periods of active duty and National Guard service, as well as verifying any qualifying periods of service.,The Board also notes that the Veteran has contended that his conditions are related to hazardous exposures during his period of active duty, including exposure to jet fuel and chemicals. The AOJ should attempt to verify these claims and obtain VA medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not suffer additional disability due to VA medical treatment, including intentional infliction of mental and emotional distress, twisted toes, failure by VA employees to provide foot treatment from 2001 through 2007, incorrect diagnosis of lupus, or failure and/or refusal to diagnose and treat angioedema.

The Veteran's claims for skin cancer, cervical strain, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for coronary artery disease is also being remanded.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to resolve the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral pes planus, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and a left shoulder disability. The AOJ should obtain any outstanding medical records and provide an addendum opinion on each issue.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for left knee strain have been denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are denied. The Board found no evidence linking the claimed disabilities to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for rheumatoid arthritis involving multiple joints, right elbow, left elbow, right knee, left knee, right foot, and left foot. The AOJ must request a VA examination to determine the current severity of his rheumatoid arthritis and provide flare-up information.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea pedis. The Veteran's claims for a lumbar spine disorder, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and migraines are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, and rheumatoid arthritis (implied).