Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2014

The Board denied service connection for thyroid cancer, to include as due to exposure to ionizing radiation, finding no evidence of in-service exposure or manifestation of the condition within one year post-service. Service connection was not established on a direct basis.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome and depression are found to be related to his service, with the Board finding that it is at least as likely as not that these conditions were incurred during active duty. The musculoskeletal disorder claim is being remanded for further examination.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have chronic fatigue syndrome, a respiratory disorder including asthma and bronchitis, or urinary incontinence. The diagnoses of these conditions were attributed to other underlying issues such as obstructive sleep apnea, depression, low back disorder, and high body mass index.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, a skin disorder, headaches, neuropsychological symptoms (muscle twitches), cardiovascular disorders, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory disorders (claimed as mesothelioma), and GERD. The decision also addressed an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic fatigue and bilateral hearing loss. The decision found no current disability related to these conditions.

The Veteran's multiple joint pain, including rheumatoid arthritis/mixed connective tissue disease, is service-connected.,His interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis are also service-connected as secondary to his now service-connected rheumatoid arthritis/mixed connective tissue disease.,Chronic fatigue is not due to an undiagnosed illness or a chronic multi symptom illness but rather is attributed to known clinical diagnoses of a service-connected psychiatric disability and the now service-connected rheumatoid arthritis/mixed connective tissue disease.

The Board has remanded the issues on appeal due to a scheduling error, and the Veteran's videoconference hearing at the RO in Washington, DC is scheduled.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his service, including exposure in the Gulf War theater. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by symptoms such as strained relationships, disturbances of mood and motivation, depressed mood, anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, chronic sleep impairment, impairment of short and long term memory, difficulty concentrating, suicidal ideation, periods of violence, and increased cognitive decline. The Board has determined that the criteria for a disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD have been met or approximated.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability during the period of her claim.,Regarding the right knee, while the Veteran reported symptoms following an in-service fall, the VA examination did not find any diagnosed condition. The Board finds that the April 2014 VA examination report does not substantially comply with the February 2014 remand directives.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and unclear diagnoses. The Veteran's claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Muscle Pain, and Joint Pain were denied as there was no evidence of a qualifying chronic disability due to an undiagnosed illness or a chronic multisymptom illness incurred during active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran did not serve in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War, thus he is not eligible for service connection based on a presumptive basis. The claim for chronic fatigue syndrome was denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and no competent medical evidence linking current symptoms to service.

The Veteran is granted an initial compensable rating of 10 percent for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) manifested as fatigue, with the effective date being March 11, 2004.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for his Travel Board hearing. Service connection claims for muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances and snoring, and chronic fatigue and tiredness are pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection, and other issues were denied. The decision does not address the specific conditions or theories of service connection.

The Veteran does not have chronic fatigue syndrome and his lack of energy has been attributed to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, the claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding service connection for headaches and chronic fatigue syndrome. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, and the effective date is set at July 23, 1991.