Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2003

The Board denied service connection for joint pain, chronic fatigue, memory loss and difficulty concentrating, sleep difficulties, chest pain, and a thyroid disorder due to undiagnosed illness. The veteran's claims were based on the presumption of undiagnosed illnesses related to service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to procedural issues and a need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue, amenorrhea, muscle and joint pain of the legs, and lymphocytosis due to an undiagnosed illness during military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the lower lumbar spine is service-connected, and his claim for chronic fatigue syndrome resulting from hepatitis B vaccinations is also granted.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development due to the need for additional examinations and information regarding the veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and a chronic acquired bowel disorder due to new evidence submitted since the July 1999 decision. The Board found that these conditions are related to active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and an initial compensable rating for her scars, finding that there was no evidence of a compensable scar.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and will remand the case for additional examination and review.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue and muscle/joint pains, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service and were not manifestations of undiagnosed illness.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue, arthralgias (multi-joint pains and loss of muscle strength), headaches, and a mild amnestic disorder due to undiagnosed illness. The veteran's skin rash and hemorrhoids are not considered in this decision.

The veteran's left hip condition, which he sustained in a pre-existing injury prior to service, was aggravated during his second period of active service. Service connection for arthritis of the left hip is granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of death and accrued benefits due to a lack of pending claims at the time of her husband's death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and a disability rating in excess of 50 percent for his acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, chondromalacia of the right knee, and right foot pain. The claim for interphalangeal joint fusion of the second, third, and fourth toes was not addressed as it is unclear if this issue was about service connection at all.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea and cardiovascular disorders, were denied as they did not meet the criteria for service connection under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 (service connection for undiagnosed illnesses).

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for various conditions, including skin disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, and psychiatric disability. The case is being remanded back to the RO for additional examinations and consideration.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the submission of new evidence after a previous decision.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease, finding that the veteran's symptoms were not due to undiagnosed illness. Service connection was granted for headaches with a 50% evaluation effective from October 2, 2002.