Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2006

The Board granted service connection for schizophrenia on the basis of incurrence during active service. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, rheumatoid arthritis, and PTSD were denied. The claim to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for schizophrenia was granted.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for synovitis, osteoarthritis, and severe degenerative joint disease of the left knee was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and rheumatoid arthritis, including as secondary to PTSD. The RO must ensure proper notice is provided, schedule a VA examination, and readjudicate the claims with consideration of Allen v. Brown.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, rheumatoid arthritis, right wrist disability, and cervical spine disability due to lack of verified in-service stressors and other supporting evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for angioneurotic edema, service connection for rheumatoid arthritis secondary to angioneurotic edema, and service connection for depression secondary to angioneurotic edema.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, a bilateral foot condition, or a psychiatric disorder due to service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions and therefore service connection is denied for status post thyroidectomy, coronary artery disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

The VA determined that the veteran's rheumatoid arthritis does not warrant an increased rating beyond 40 percent.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 7, 1990 for the grant of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis. The issues of TDIU and educational assistance benefits remain pending.

The Board denied the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for cervical and lumbar spine disorders with rheumatoid arthritis, finding that no new and material evidence had been received.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation greater than 40 percent for active chronic rheumatoid arthritis affecting the right ankle and multiple joints is being remanded due to the need for clarification on which of his disabling orthopedic entities are part of, or secondary to his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board found that the veteran's rheumatoid arthritis is inactive and does not result in chronic residuals of affected joints, thus denying a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no evidence to support a direct link between his military service and the claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinion evidence regarding rheumatoid arthritis and its residuals, as well as incomplete clinical records. The veteran will be provided with appropriate notice regarding effective dates of awards and a VA examination by a rheumatologist.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his organic heart disease with systolic murmur. The issue of service connection for a respiratory condition, to include pneumonia (diagnosed as viral illness), remains pending.