Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2016

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his IBS was not more than severe in severity and that his left hip residuals did not meet criteria for ankylosis or other compensable limitations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by chronic fatigue, including chronic fatigue syndrome, is denied as there is no current disability and the Veteran's fatigue is found to be a symptom of his service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for chronic headaches, a gastrointestinal disability (diarrhea and hemorrhoids), chronic fatigue, inability to concentrate, and hypertension. The Veteran's current diagnoses are considered in relation to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his chronic fatigue syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The Veteran is in need of regular aid and assistance due to his physical or mental incapacity.

The Veteran's PTSD disability is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from April 1, 2009. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed chronic fatigue, joint pain (excluding patella condition of right knee), and precancerous mass of the lower intestine are not related to service or any incident therein.,Service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, leishmaniasis, and changes in white blood cell count were denied as the conditions have not been present during the pendency of this claim. The decision to withhold compensation benefits due to receipt of military drill pay was also found to be proper.

Service connection for PTSD and CFS has been granted.,Service connection for fibromyalgia, type II diabetes mellitus, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. Service connection for uterine fibroid cysts and a respiratory disorder due to Agent GB exposure have not been established.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep disability, including sleep apnea, is related to his service. Additional development and an examination are needed.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a hearing on the issue of bilateral hearing loss and issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding the remaining issues. The appellant must file a substantive appeal to continue their appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have chronic fatigue syndrome and therefore, service connection for chronic fatigue is denied. The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea remains pending.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome does not result in more than minimal impact on his activities of daily living, and thus the current 10 percent rating for CFS is denied.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome was rated at 10 percent prior to February 2, 2015 and at 40 percent on and after that date.,The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome is currently rated as 40 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining service personnel records and VA treatment records. The issues are inextricably intertwined due to the overlap between his chronic fatigue syndrome and schizophrenia.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and concluded that his fatigue symptoms are related to his service-connected PTSD. As such, the claim for service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, including those for increased ratings and service connection claims.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all listed disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining new medical opinions and additional VA treatment records.