Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations for rheumatoid arthritis of the right shoulder, left shoulder, right ankle, left ankle, right hip, and left hip have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of these claims.

The Veteran is seeking to establish service connection for rheumatoid arthritis. The Board has decided that additional development, including obtaining medical records and an examination, is needed before a decision can be made.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for benefits under 38 C.F.R. � 3.815 and 38 C.F.R. � 3.814 as she does not have a manifestation of spina bifida, which is required to qualify for these benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and consideration of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including foot disability, rheumatoid arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory disorder, and diabetes mellitus (Type II), have been denied as the evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and her military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to properly adjudicate the service connection claims for lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic thyroiditis (also claimed as Hashimoto's disease).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and work background prior to August 29, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification from Dr. Timmons regarding his January 2012 examination findings, and for additional development concerning the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal as he is no longer alive.

The Board granted effective dates of June 4, 1999 for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right ankle disability, rheumatoid arthritis, swelling under the arms and of the neck, and hypertension are not shown to be related to service.,Therefore, the claims for these conditions have been denied.