Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for malaria, rheumatoid arthritis (due to service-connected diabetes and hypertension), and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus were all denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of or residuals from malaria, and his arthritis was not related to active service or service-connected disability.

The Board granted service connection for Raynaud's syndrome but denied service connection for a connective tissue disorder, including rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder and foot were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis as the preponderance of evidence demonstrated that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, ankle disability, knee disability, groin injury, gout, and psoriatic arthritis of the feet as there was no credible evidence establishing that an event, injury, or disease related to these claimed disabilities occurred in service.

The Board remands the case for further development and readjudication due to unavailable service treatment records, lack of a recent VA examination, and need for additional medical opinions.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's chronic foot infection, rheumatoid arthritis, and need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied service connection for chronic arthritis of the feet, ankles, legs, knees, shoulders and hips and found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the back, arms, neck and hands.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis was denied a rating in excess of 50 percent, and his TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board granted service connection for chronic pain syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome, but denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, fatigue, vision problems, weight loss, skin disorder, hair loss, headaches, speech changes, stress/depression, sleep difficulty, memory loss, and concentration problems.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for service-connected rheumatoid arthritis, as the evidence did not show that his condition was symptomatic.

The Veteran is entitled to an initial evaluation of 60 percent for the residuals of rheumatoid arthritis.

The appeal is remanded for a new examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis.

The appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including providing the Veteran with proper VCAA notice.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records from August 2006 to present.