Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic diarrhea and undiagnosed illness qualify for service connection under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1117, and granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Service connection was also granted for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) due to an undiscovered illness.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including chronic fatigue syndrome and swelling of the joints. The Veteran's claims for GERD, hypertension, and memory loss are pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's immune system disorder (chronic anemia) is service-connected, as it first manifested during her service. The Veteran's fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a connection to service.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome were denied. The Veteran's service-connected residuals of meningitis, to include headaches, are currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome are considered qualifying chronic disabilities under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1117 and 38 C.F.R. § 3.317, as they became manifest to a degree of at least 10 percent after his Persian Gulf service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and memory loss are denied as there is no objective evidence of these conditions during the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and incomplete medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of cellulitis of the left lower extremity. However, it denied a compensable evaluation for chronic fatigue syndrome from March 13, 2003.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for chronic fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and consideration of the criteria under Diagnostic Code 6354.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed hiatal hernia, stomach disorder, loss of feeling on left side, night sweats, chronic fatigue, and genitourinary disorders are not related to his service-connected non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or its treatment.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between her current disabilities and active military service.

The Veteran's PTSD was incurred in service and is granted. His alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal disability, skin rash, heart disease, and respiratory condition are all found to be aggravated by service.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, heart condition (atypical chest pains), and right hip disability. The Veteran did not have a diagnosed or current condition that could be linked to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue, sleep disturbance, and gastrointestinal condition under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 due to exposure in the Southwest Asia theater during the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue is due to an undiagnosed illness and has manifested to a degree of at least 10 percent following service in the Persian Gulf. The Board finds that he is entitled to service connection for this disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration disability benefits information. A VA examination will be conducted to assess the current severity of PTSD. The issues of service connection for various disabilities are also inextricably intertwined with TDIU and must be addressed together.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including providing proper notification letters and ensuring compliance with the requirements of Kent v. Nicholson.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including as due to an undiagnosed illness, were denied. The Board found no current disability or evidence of such a condition in the record.