Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2002

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, chronic fatigue syndrome, initial compensable evaluation for service-connected hemorrhoids prior to June 16, 1997, and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected hemorrhoids since June 16, 1997. The veteran's claims were based on secondary service connection.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue as a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness due to his service in the Gulf War. The condition is presumed under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of memory loss, headaches, joint pain, menstrual disorder, or chronic fatigue due to service. The evidence does not support her contentions that these conditions are related to service.

The VA determined that the veteran does not currently have chronic fatigue syndrome and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sleep disorder claimed as FMS and CFS is secondary to his service-connected interstitial cystitis. However, there is no evidence supporting a finding of secondary service connection for the obstruction of the duodenal bulb.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and an immunologic deficiency, finding that the veteran's symptoms were due to multiple in-service chemical exposures rather than Agent Orange exposure.

The veteran's request for a personal hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals has been granted, and her case is being remanded to allow for additional development.

The veteran's claimed skin disorder, chronic radiation sickness, digestive system problems, cardiovascular disease, and central nervous system disorder are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or ionizing radiation exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to service connection for rectocele and gastrointestinal disorder (GERD) as these conditions are related to her active military service. Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was not established due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Board has granted service connection for an undiagnosed illness (UI) manifested by fatigue, finding that the symptoms are nearly constant and meet the criteria for a compensably disabling condition under Diagnostic Code 6354. The appeal is based on the veteran's service in the Persian Gulf War.