Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2019

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscle weakness as there is no credible evidence of an in-service disease or injury that could be related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid and polyarthritis is denied as there is no evidence of the disability during service or within one year after separation from service.,Service connection for heart disabilities, including arrhythmia and hypertension, is denied due to lack of competent medical evidence showing a current diagnosis and continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn. A TDIU rating is granted from June 10, 2014, based on his service-connected right median nerve laceration.

The Board has denied service connection for left leg condition, anxiety disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. The issues of acquired psychiatric disorder (including anxiety disorder), rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, and hypothyroidism are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including GERD with Barrett’s esophagus, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and a lumbar spine disability. The Veteran is also seeking TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, claimed as neck problems, is being remanded for further evaluation.,Hypertension and back disability have earlier effective dates of June 17, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The issue of service connection for a cervical spine disorder is remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a left wrist disorder is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received, including a February 2014 report from a private physician opining that the Veteran’s left wrist disorder was caused by service.

The Veteran's spouse is not found to be in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status, as she can manage her daily activities with assistance when needed.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis are granted service connection. Special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance is dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is required for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, lumbosacral strain with rheumatoid spondylitis, sacroiliac joints and degenerative joint disease, coronary artery disease, PTSD, and TDIU. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further examination, as well as a formal TDIU application.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable or unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to address specific questions raised by the Veteran.