Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of evidence linking his current conditions to military service, and also denied a higher evaluation for his nasal septum disability. The issue of reopening the claim for rheumatoid arthritis was granted.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected DDD of the lumbosacral spine and rheumatoid arthritis involving the sacroiliac joints was granted, with a maximum rating of 60 percent for DDD and no compensable rating for rheumatoid arthritis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings and a separate rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of active rheumatoid arthritis or significant joint damage, and his service-connected conditions do not interfere with normal employability.