Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for chronic fatigue syndrome and arthralgia of multiple joints were denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6354.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of April 1, 2004, for additional compensation for his dependent stepson, D.L.G., as evidence submitted in March 2004 was not timely received within one year from the RO's request.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for schizoid personality disorder, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and major depression and insomnia. The appeals were based on direct evidence of a relationship between these conditions and military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including chronic radiation sickness and digestive system problems, were denied as there was no evidence of exposure to ionizing radiation in service or a link between the claimed conditions and service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue and sleep disturbance, muscle spasms, cramps, and aches, as well as hypogonadism due to undiagnosed illness. The claim for increased rating for low back pain was remanded. Service connection could not be established on a direct basis.

The Board found that the veteran does not have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and joint pain of the shoulders, hips, and elbows. The reasons were that there was no verified stressor for PTSD, and the veteran did not have objective signs of a chronic disability for fatigue or joint pain.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and evaluation of his claimed conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and he was also denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability evaluation for chronic fatigue syndrome with aching joints and back pain was denied as the evidence did not allow for a determination without a current VA medical examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for joint pain, respiratory problems, neuralgic symptoms, and cognitive impairment are being REMANDED to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC), in Washington, DC.,Service connection is denied for chronic fatigue as a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected chronic fatigue syndrome and fracture of the distal fifth right metacarpal, finding that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disabilities.

The veteran's claimed conditions were not found to be related to his service or a presumptive condition, and the claim for separate ratings for tinnitus was denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for breathing disorder, bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue, and low back disorder. However, as these conditions are not shown to be due to an undiagnosed illness or any other basis provided by VA, the claims remain denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, cardiac complications, severe allergic reaction, burning feet, myositis, headaches, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and diarrhea are denied as they do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under the Persian Gulf War presumption. Direct service connection is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for service connection due to chronic fatigue and incontinence of the bladder, finding that no claim was filed prior to March 3, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, excessive fatigue/chronic fatigue syndrome, and sleep apnea. The Board found that these conditions were not related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions related to a nasal injury sustained in service were denied as there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a Gulf War illness C&P examination. The issues of service connection for bilateral knee disability, bilateral elbow disability, and chronic fatigue syndrome are pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome as there is no current evidence of this condition.