Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the issues of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and entitlement to an initial disability rating for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in excess of 50 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to procedural issues and the Veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, indigestion, a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (including depression and anxiety), and headaches were denied. The claim to reopen the disability manifested by muscle and joint pain was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected CFS and asthma were rated at various levels prior to September 7, 2010. From that date forward, the combined rating for asthma with sleep apnea was assigned. The Board determined that severing of service connection for CFS was improper due to its long duration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sexual dysfunction, headaches, fatigue, back pain, bilateral hip disabilities, knee disabilities, shoulder disabilities, elbow disabilities, and left ankle disability. The appeals were reopened on new evidence but the claims were ultimately denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected, with no evidence of a direct connection to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for SSA records related to disability determination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome and finds that his symptoms are more likely related to his service-connected insomnia and nonservice-connected Hepatitis C.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the basic eligibility requirements for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of loss of use of extremities or blindness.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, suprapatellar ligament calcification, and upper extremity and waist pain as these conditions are considered new and material evidence since they were previously denied in 2004.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions. The appeal is pending further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video conference hearing.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated as noncompensable prior to May 24, 2012 and was granted a 10 percent evaluation effective from May 24, 2012.,Prior to May 24, 2012, the Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome was rated as noncompensable. Since then, he has been assigned a 20 percent evaluation.,The Board found that there is no evidence of any service connection issues related to exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, Gulf War Syndrome, or other presumptive conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic fatigue disability had its onset during his active military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for various conditions, a rating for irritable bowel syndrome, and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary examinations and development.

The Board granted service connection for fibromyalgia/intermittent migratory arthralgia and chronic fatigue syndrome as undiagnosed illnesses of Persian Gulf War origin, but denied the other claims.

The Veteran's service records do not show any diagnosis of sleep apnea, vertigo, chronic fatigue syndrome, pes planus, bilateral leg varicose veins, or residuals of traumatic brain injury. The Veteran has been diagnosed with insomnia and hemorrhoids since separation from service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a new medical opinion that takes into account his service-connected disabilities and educational background, but not his age or nonservice-connected conditions.

The Veteran's sleep disturbance and fatigue are found to be related to his service-connected PTSD, but the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. Service connection is granted for these symptoms as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings for radiation proctitis and chronic fatigue. The Board is dismissing these claims.