Rheumatoid arthritis decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis to the hips, legs, and back, and tinnitus as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The appeal is remanded for a VA examination to determine the presence and etiology of rheumatoid arthritis of the bilateral hands and feet.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of frostbite, syphilis, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, tinea pedis, and tinea cruris as there is no competent evidence to support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a right hip disability rated at 70 percent, render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The appeal was dismissed due to the veteran's death during the pendency of the case.

The veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a cardiovascular disorder, and rheumatoid arthritis. The veteran was granted an increased rating of 10 percent for his polyarthritis.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a sternum injury due to lack of evidence supporting an in-service injury and current disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis, to include rheumatoid arthritis, as there was no evidence of a definitive diagnosis and no link between the condition and his active duty service.

The veteran's left ear hearing loss disability was determined to be related to an injury from a mine explosion in service, while other conditions were denied service connection.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and a lung disorder, finding no evidence of these conditions during service or within one year of discharge, and no link to service exposure.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, bilateral hips, as there is no current medical diagnosis of this condition.