Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2023

The Veteran was granted separate 20 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy effective September 24, 2013 and April 3, 2014 respectively.,These decisions are based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's symptoms of radiculopathy in both legs became manifest before the dates specified.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and granted it. Service connection is also granted for multiple sclerosis, but the issues of service connection for seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and bilateral toe fungus are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes mellitus type 2 due to inadequate medical opinions. Additional development is required.

The Veteran's claim for rheumatoid arthritis is denied as there is no evidence of current disability.,The Veteran's claims for depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are remanded to obtain a VA examination to clarify whether they are related to service-connected PTSD or other medical conditions.,The Veteran's claim for sleep apnea is remanded to determine the cause of her weight gain, which may be due to medications prescribed for PTSD.,The Veteran's claim for liver disease is remanded to determine if it was caused by weight gain due to medications prescribed for PTSD and lack of motivation to exercise due to PTSD.,The Veteran's claim for cerebral aneurysm rupture is not related to service as no evidence linking it to service has been provided.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left foot conditions on a direct basis.,The Board has also granted service connection for right and left knee conditions on a direct basis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's left knee and hip disabilities due to inadequate examinations addressing limitations of motion after repeated use over time and/or flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development regarding potential chemical exposures at Fort McClellan and Fort Me, as well as her sexual assault in service. The claims are being returned for further development.

Service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and migraine headaches has been granted.,The claims of service connection for osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and anemia have been remanded.

The appeals for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, skin cancer (secondary to herbicide exposure), and peripheral neuropathy have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a bilateral knee condition, bilateral elbow condition, joint pain (rheumatoid arthritis), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus type II, rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine due to new information regarding her exposure to toxic agents during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient examination findings and lack of consideration of secondary service connection.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are now rated at 50% effective March 1, 2013. Her rheumatoid arthritis continues to be rated as 40%. The TDIU claim is dismissed as moot.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection, a disability rating, and TDIU due to outstanding records and need for medical opinion.