Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, as the conditions claimed are not shown to be related to his military service or due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for each of the conditions he claims were incurred in service.,Service connection was denied for diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, headaches, sinusitis, chronic fatigue, and memory loss with loss of concentration.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic fatigue and cardiovascular problems are related to his Gulf War service, but the specific theory of connection (presumptive, secondary, aggravation, new-and-material evidence) is not specified.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, residuals of a dislocated right knee cap, and residuals of pneumonia as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, as there was no evidence showing that he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of his chronic fatigue. The claim for PTSD must also be remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the service connection claim on appeal.

The Board found that the veteran does not have chronic fatigue syndrome and denied service connection for fatigue due to undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability manifested by skin, memory loss, or chronic fatigue. The evidence of record is insufficient to establish service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, an undiagnosed illness manifested by symptoms of fatigue, and pes planus. The Board found no evidence to support a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or an undiagnosed illness related to fatigue. The Board also determined that there was insufficient evidence to establish aggravation of the veteran's pre-existing pes planus during service.

The Board found no evidence of a qualifying chronic disability and denied the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue and dizziness, including as due to an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss, right ear was reopened and the claim is denied.,The medical evidence does not establish a current disability related to viral gastroenteritis (claimed as a stomach disorder).,The determination that the veteran's tinea corporis resolved without residuals does not establish any fact necessary to substantiate the claim for service connection, and does not constitute new and material evidence to reopen the claim.,There is no provision of the laws governing veterans' benefits which authorizes a grant of service connection to the veteran for his child's toe deformity on the basis of exposure to chemicals in Southeast Asia.,The medical determination that the veteran does not meet the diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome does not establish any fact necessary to substantiate the claim for service connection, and does not constitute new and material evidence to reopen the claim.,There is no provision of the laws governing veterans' benefits which authorizes a grant of service connection to the veteran for an immune system disorder.,The absence of medical evidence of any chronic qualifying disability or undiagnosed disorder does not establish any fact necessary to substantiate a claim for service connection, and does not constitute new and material evidence to reopen the claim.,Medical evidence obtained which demonstrates assignment of current diagnoses of PTSD, major depression, and psychosis by VA examiners and providers is new, since such evidence was not of record at the time of the prior final denial and is material, since it establishes previously unestablished facts necessary for adjudication of claims for service connection.

The Board has found that service connection is warranted for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia (other than joint pains attributable to diagnosed disorders of the shoulders, back and knees), left hand neuropathy, right hand neuropathy, left upper extremity tremors, right upper extremity tremors, and shortness of breath.,The veteran's symptoms have been linked to an undiagnosed illness or exposure to toxic agents.

The appellant's claims for chronic fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain due to an undiagnosed illness as a result of service in the Southwest Asia theater during the Persian Gulf War were denied.

The veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, and fibromyalgia are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness related to service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations. The gastrointestinal disorder other than IBS is also found to be due to an undiagnosed illness, but not service-connected. Headaches are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has granted service connection for xerosis and other conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, vertigo, chronic fatigue syndrome, folliculitis, right ankle disability, aphthous ulcers, sinus tachycardia, rhinosinusitis, hypertension, migraine headaches, and bilateral hearing loss. The psychiatric condition is also service connected.

The veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was denied as the evidence did not show that his symptoms were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome did not develop as a result of his military service and denied the claim.

The veteran's reflux esophagitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and sleep disorder have been attributed to known clinical diagnoses and are not related to his service.,Service connection for these conditions is denied as they do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under VA regulations.

The Board denied service connection for bipolar disorder. The veteran's claim for chronic fatigue syndrome and Grave's disease was reopened, but the claims were ultimately denied on the merits.