Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, finding that the Veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for a diagnosis under 38 C.F.R. § 4.88a and are related to his military service in Southwest Asia. The gastrointestinal disorder is not addressed as it was not part of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional service personnel records and VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions. The appeal will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, chronic fatigue, joint and muscle pain, bowel incontinence, bladder incontinence, and chronic migraines have been granted. The claim for bilateral lower extremity numbness (neuralgia) is pending.

The Veteran's CFS and bronchial asthma are granted with ratings of 30% and 100%, respectively, effective throughout the appeal period. The Veteran's IBS is granted a rating of 30%. Bilateral hearing loss does not meet criteria for any compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and neurological symptoms in the left upper extremity are denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.,PTSD was not established due to lack of a verified stressor. The Veteran did not develop an active psychosis or mental illness within two years after his release from active service.