Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2019

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep disturbance, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and fibromyalgia disabilities. The case is remanded to obtain a VA examination to determine the current severity of these conditions and their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome due to conflicting medical evidence and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including TDIU and evaluations for various conditions. The Board has determined that these issues are inextricably intertwined with the issue of TDIU and has therefore remanded all matters.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss resulted in no worse than Level I hearing impairment in each ear, resulting in a noncompensable rating.,The Veteran seeks service connection for various conditions including back disability (claimed as fibromyalgia), Gulf War Syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD). The Board finds that remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and examinations.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee injury, erectile dysfunction, joint and muscle condition (Gulf War related health complications), depression, right knee injury, herniated disc, tinnitus, and chronic fatigue syndrome have been granted. A 50% rating has been assigned for generalized anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (claimed as chronic fatigue syndrome) due to inadequate examination and lack of opinion regarding exposure during Gulf War service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and left foot plantar fasciitis are granted service connection. The Veteran's sinusitis is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition. Service connection for gastrointestinal disorder (IBS) and muscle and joint pain due to service in Southwest Asia is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to insomnia, thoracic spine disorder, and lumbar spine disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,Additional evaluations are required for the Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, gallbladder disorder, and gastritis.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, Major Depression, and related disabilities are granted. The claims for CFS, fibromyalgia, and a skin disability are denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling VA examinations to assess his current disability levels.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the cause of death and the role of fibromyalgia in it.

The Board denied service connection for fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, OSA and chronic fatigue syndrome as they are not caused by an event, injury or illness during active service.,Service connection was also denied for the increased disability evaluation for PTSD and additional compensation benefits for a dependent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been denied as there is no evidence of a separate disability of CFS, and his symptoms have been attributed to his service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) have been denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or qualifying signs and symptoms indicative of these conditions.,For the initial rating claim, the Veteran has been remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and authorization for private medical records related to his employer's employee assistance program counseling sessions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, hypertension, residuals of stroke (secondary to PTSD), and headaches. Additional records from SSA are needed, as well as new VA examinations for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for a gastrointestinal disorder is reopened, but service connection is denied.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition for VA purposes.,Service connection for a respiratory disorder (COPD) is denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis and no evidence of asbestos exposure.,Service connection for a skin disorder (dermatophytosis of the foot) is denied as there is no link between service and current disability.

The Veteran's application to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a left wrist disorder is granted. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received, including a February 2014 report from a private physician opining that the Veteran’s left wrist disorder was caused by service.

The Board denied service connection for a right ankle disorder, right leg disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, short-term memory loss, residuals of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and CFS due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,The Board found that there was no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease for any of the claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a disability manifested by memory loss, dry skin, dry scalp, left wrist disability, or CFS separate and distinct from his service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder. The claims are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.