Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetic retinopathy, diabetes insipidus, lymphoma, shortness of breath, and chronic fatigue have been denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity has not been advanced.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death. The Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and gastrointestinal disorder due to lack of current diagnoses.,There is no indication that the Veteran's symptoms meet the criteria for any of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for muscle pain and headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a cardiovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction, and a neurological condition. The Veteran's claims were also remanded for other issues.,Service connection was granted for PTSD with alcohol dependence from June 6, 2012 through June 5, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and a disorder manifested by fatigue, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions or their relationship to service or service-connected thyroiditis.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of chronic fatigue syndrome is granted. Service connection for this condition is also granted. The claims for low back condition, peripheral neuropathy (left lower extremity), and sleep disturbances are remanded.

The Veteran's headaches and sleep apnea are found to be related to his active service.,The Veteran's fatigue is a symptom of his PTSD and sleep apnea, not a separate disability for compensation purposes.

The Veteran's claim for chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia disorder, and sleep apnea is denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.,Service connection for insomnia disorder is denied because the evidence does not establish a link between the condition and service. The Veteran’s insomnia is found to be related to his Gulf War exposure but not directly caused by it.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination as there is insufficient information regarding whether the Veteran's fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are related to his service, including exposure in the Persian Gulf.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome is rated at a 60 percent rating since November 23, 2016. The condition causes significant incapacitation requiring bed rest and physician treatment for six weeks or more per year.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, an increased rating for tension-type headaches, and a TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate examinations.,The Veteran is also being asked to provide updated employment and educational records.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic insomnia, and hypersomnia as they were withdrawn by the Veteran. The appeal for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and PTSD have been denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service stressor. The Veteran has not been diagnosed with these conditions.,For the increased rating issues, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for an increased rating based on her symptoms and medical records do not support higher ratings.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed fatigue symptoms, including whether they constitute a qualifying chronic disability under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder also claimed as memory loss was granted. Other claims were remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for further examination and clarification of his wishes regarding certain issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was denied. His claims for increased evaluations of his DJD knees and initial compensable evaluations for limitation of extension motion in both knees were also denied. The TDIU issue is remanded.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea should be remanded due to insufficient medical evidence on whether his current condition is related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed with respect to the issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus. The claims for service connection for Bell's palsy and PTSD are reopened, but denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or a pre-existing condition.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and an initial compensable rating for IBS due to outstanding VA treatment records, incomplete vocational rehabilitation folder, and need for a new addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed fatigue.