Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to inadequate development in previous examinations. The issues include rheumatoid arthritis, right ankle osteoarthritis, and left ankle osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is granted as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The lung condition and arthritis are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD is now rated at 70% effective from December 11, 2014.,Service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was granted effective September 15, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to confirm the Veteran's employment history and determine if he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, finding that the etiology of both conditions is inconclusive.

The Board granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the sacroiliac joint and denied service connection for diabetes mellitus. Other issues were remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right ankle blisters were not found during examinations and no treatment records show the condition. The claim for this issue is denied.,There is no evidence of a neurological disability of both hands in service or related to service. The claim for this issue is denied.,Generalized arthritis was not shown in service or within one year postservice, and there is no evidence it is related to service. The claim for this issue is denied.,The Veteran's right foot disabilities were noted during service but are not considered a disease or injury that became manifest therein. The claim for this issue is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and remanded the issue of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not supported by evidence, and her claims lack a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset or etiology. The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis may be related to service exposure at Camp Lejeune, but there is no conclusive evidence of its onset within one year of separation. Sleep apnea may be linked to in-service dental issues, and diabetes mellitus may have a connection to the Veteran's service.

The Board has remanded the claims for rheumatoid arthritis, spinal stenosis, and polymyalgia rheumatica and cervical stenosis due to insufficient evidence regarding their relationship to service. The Veteran's exposure to asbestos and herbicide agents is conceded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions. Service connection is not granted for PTSD, heart attacks, panic disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, a back condition, or COPD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to exposure to herbicides, including Agent Orange. The AOJ is instructed to attempt to obtain his complete service treatment records and verify his reported exposure during his time in Germany.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied as he does not have a current bilateral hearing disability.,Service connection was granted for rheumatoid arthritis, right hip synovitis, meralgia paresthetica of the lower extremities, and degenerative arthritis with spondylosis of the lumbar spine. These conditions are secondary to service-connected bilateral foot disabilities.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for hypertension is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its relationship to a service-connected condition, specifically PTSD with major depressive disorder.,Service connection for a kidney disability and rheumatoid arthritis are both remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their potential relation to in-service herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis is also remanded as the VA examiner did not address whether it was related to in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions result in loss of use of both lower extremities, requiring her to rely on a walker or wheelchair for mobility. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing due to this condition.