Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claimed conditions are not shown to be related to his service, including service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a VA examination and ensuring compliance with all directives.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip osteoarthritis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, finding that his symptoms were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected conditions. The Veteran was also unable to establish a diagnosis of CFS based on the submitted medical articles.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent since May 15, 2009. The Veteran has not met the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the conditions listed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for upper and lower respiratory disability, fibromyalgia, and undiagnosed illness (chronic fatigue syndrome) as they were not found to be related to active duty service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic joint pain, chronic fatigue, and chronic muscle pain including as due to an undiagnosed illness. The evidence submitted since the last denial did not establish a current disability or link these conditions to military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, gastrointestinal disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, left knee disability (arthritis), bilateral athlete's foot, muscle pain, joint pain, sleep disorder (sleep apnea), and respiratory disorder (asthma). The appeal was dismissed due to withdrawal of these issues.

The Veteran's death in August 2010 was not related to a service-connected disability or service, and the Board finds no basis to grant service connection for any of the issues raised.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of his claims for service connection and increased evaluations. The Veteran is entitled to a total disability evaluation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for multiple conditions, including right wrist disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, aching joints, right carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle spasms of the legs, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and muscle spasms of the arms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are granted on a presumptive basis due to her Persian Gulf War service.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. The appeal is now pending and will be reconsidered after obtaining additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn with respect to the issue of service connection for community acquired pneumonia. The claim of service connection for hypertension was denied due to lack of new and material evidence. No current diagnoses were found for right shoulder disorder, gout, polyarthralgia, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome. Service connection was not granted for gastrointestinal disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and ensuring that the Veteran provides authorization to release such records. The appeal will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's depression resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity prior to June 8, 2015. From that date, his condition resulted in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and his symptoms are better explained by other conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia. Therefore, service connection for CFS is denied.

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

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and Gulf War exposure-related conditions. The Board has remanded the case to schedule a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a central office hearing.