Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for various disorders. However, the claims are still denied as there is no clear evidence of service origin or aggravation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's rheumatoid arthritis was incurred during his period of active duty for training, and service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service and have denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 30 percent for chronic multiple rheumatoid arthritis, finding no current residuals of rheumatoid arthritis that would provide a basis for an evaluation in excess of the currently assigned 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a current diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and suggests its association with symptoms experienced during service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lower back, prostatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis of the right hand and wrist disabilities due to incomplete development. The RO/AMC is instructed to verify whether or not the veteran is receiving disability benefits from SSA and obtain any relevant medical documentation.