Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2018

The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome is currently rated at 60 percent, and the Board finds no evidence to warrant a higher rating.,For PTSD from June 27, 2016 to August 9, 2016, the Veteran is granted an initial disability rating of 70 percent. For PTSD prior to June 27, 2016 and from August 10, 2016, no higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied, with the exception of IBS which was granted. The hearing loss claim was also denied.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for headaches and remanded the issues of increased rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy and service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome. The Veteran's headaches are being examined to determine if they were aggravated by service, while his chronic fatigue symptoms are attributed to fibromyalgia.

An increased rating of 100 percent for PTSD is granted.,The appeal to reopen claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and CFS due to Gulf War service and exposures therein is granted, but the appeals are remanded for further examination and review.,Service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is also remanded.,The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for nephrolithiasis is denied as it does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent. The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 19, 2012, for service connection for chronic fatigue is also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a fatigue disorder, to include chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), finding that there is no current diagnosed fatigue disability and attributing his symptoms to already service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service or an undiagnosed illness.,There was no objective evidence of gastrointestinal symptoms meeting the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7319.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and sleep apnea/sleep disorder have been remanded.,His initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss has been denied, as his hearing acuity does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating increases have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of all pending claims.

The Board granted service connection for IBS due to undiagnosed illness in the Gulf War, but denied service connection for CFS as there was no evidence of a qualifying chronic disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, both secondary to a service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder manifested as PTSD. The Veteran needs a new VA examination or opinion that provides an adequate rationale addressing the pertinent evidence of record.

The Board is remanding several issues related to service connection for various conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, gastrointestinal disability, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's claims are being reviewed due to new evidence added after the May 2015 SOC.

The Veteran's current 10 percent rating for hypothyroidism is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination, including consideration of overlapping criteria with other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for chronic fatigue as secondary to service-connected tinnitus has been granted.,The Veteran's claims for anxiety, depression and panic attacks have been reopened and granted. The appeal is granted to this extent only.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches and right knee strain are dismissed. The appeal for a higher rating for PTSD is remanded.

Service connection for depression, substance abuse, and sleep disorder has been dismissed.,Service connection for cardiovascular disorder is denied.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied.,Service connection for sleep apnea to include as secondary to service-connected disabilities remains pending and will be remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for right hip disability to include as secondary to service-connected lumbosacral strain remains pending and will be remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for left hip disability to include as secondary to service-connected lumbosacral strain remains pending and will be remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for knee joint pain to include as due to an undiagnosed illness remains pending and will be remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for respiratory disorder to include as due to an undiagnosed illness remains pending and will be remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, COPD, irritable bowel syndrome, and diabetes mellitus, have rendered him unemployable from performing all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience. The TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, bilateral knee pain, and bilateral ankle pain. The claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, bilateral knee pain, and bilateral ankle pain are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right shoulder condition, neck condition, and chronic fatigue syndrome due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, finding that his current condition is causally related to service.