Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2017

The Veteran's chronic fatigue is presumed to be related to his service in Southwest Asia, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's CFS has resulted in symptoms that were nearly constant and restricted routine daily activities to less than 50 percent of the pre-illness level, warranting a 60% rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral calf muscle aches, insomnia (unspecified), and chronic fatigue syndrome have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of an undiagnosed illness or multisymptom illness as claimed.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for service connection for weakness and the issues of chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and shortness of breath from appellate status.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The remaining claims are dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and anemia, finding that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of these conditions. The claim for a higher rating for hypothyroidism was granted to a 60 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various conditions, including IBS and anxiety disorder. The RO granted service connection for IBS but denied all other claims. A new examination is needed to assess the current severity of IBS and determine the relationship between the Veteran's claimed disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which is considered a direct service connection case due to his active duty in the Persian Gulf. His disability manifests to at least a 10% level and he meets the criteria for presumptive service connection under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and clarification of diagnoses.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiac disability, right elbow disability, tinnitus, acquired psychiatric disability (including a phase of life problem, adjustment disorder, anxiety, and depression), sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, rhinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The rating for hemorrhoids was also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is denied as the evidence does not support a diagnosis of CFS.,The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and no higher rating is warranted given his blood pressure readings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. The evidence received since the June 1996 rating decision is new and material, as it relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate his claims for tinnitus and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue, sinusitis with blurred vision, and irritable bowel syndrome have all been granted increased ratings.,PTSD remains at the current 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, including manifestations of an undiagnosed illness or a qualifying chronic disease as due to Persian Gulf War service, is denied. The Board found no diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome and noted that the symptoms were attributed to PTSD and fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his level of education and work history.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a heart disability was withdrawn by the Veteran.,Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, irritable bowel syndrome, a cervical spine disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, and PTSD are denied. The evidence does not support these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by chronic fatigue or sleep disorder, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current autoimmune disorder, and her claimed fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are secondary to her service-connected endometriosis with pelvic pain syndrome. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a current thyroid disability or muscle disability in the pelvis and back area as being related to her service-connected endometriosis.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the receipt of a request for withdrawal prior to the Board issuing a decision.