Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2009

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection, higher ratings, and special monthly compensation.

The veteran's PTSD was rated at 30 percent prior to July 16, 2006, and increased to 50 percent from that date due to symptoms of depressed mood, difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, startle response, hypervigilence, and difficulty establishing effective work and social relationships.

The Board denied service connection for depression, PTSD, headaches, joint pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome as there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hearing loss, sexual dysfunction, and chronic fatigue are not related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected epilepsy.

The case was remanded to the Board for compliance with directives specified by the Court.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a psychiatric disorder other than post-traumatic stress disorder, hypertension, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, arthritis of the hands, chronic fatigue syndrome, and back disability. The claims to reopen for arthritis of the knees and stress fractures of the legs and feet were also denied.

The veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome were not related to service, to include alleged exposure to Agent Orange, or to a service-connected disorder.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and Persian Gulf War Syndrome, but increased the rating for dysthymic disorder to 70 percent. The veteran was also granted a 40 percent evaluation for fibromyalgia.