Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and has reopened the claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, back pain, neck pain, bilateral knee pain, alopecia areata, and hearing loss on a new and material basis. The Veteran's CFS claim is denied as there is no evidence of a qualifying chronic disability.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis C and chronic fatigue syndrome have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Veteran's hypertension and CFS claims have been reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and undiagnosed illness due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations. The Veteran's symptoms of high blood pressure and chronic fatigue are being evaluated further.

The Veteran's PTSD, left wrist disability, and CFS have been granted service connection. The case has also been remanded for further examination regarding the Veteran's CFS.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for chronic fatigue disorder, kidney disorder, migraine headaches, neurological signs and symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and coronary artery disease (CAD) have been dismissed. The appeal for CAD has been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have separate service-connected conditions for depression, anxiety, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, back disorder, neck disorder, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or headaches. The claims are denied as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's muscle pain with spasm and chronic fatigue syndrome have been attributed to known clinical diagnoses, thus not meeting the criteria for service connection as a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine and tension headaches. The Veteran's PTSD claim was not addressed as it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status was denied as her service-connected disabilities did not result in such needs.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea. The claims are granted as they meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. Service connection for chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disorder, IBS, and low back disorder are granted on a presumptive basis due to Gulf War exposure. Other service connection claims remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue and obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis has been rated at 10 percent since January 28, 2013.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and denied the remaining claims. The Veteran's current symptoms of tinnitus had their onset during service, and she has a current diagnosis of tinnitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. The evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with other service-connected disabilities, renders him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU.