Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his kidney transplant and service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome as secondary to his kidney condition are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, food sensitivities/allergies, and yeast infections due to their interrelation with other previously remanded issues. The AOJ is instructed to readjudicate these claims in conjunction with the other matters.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for helicobacter pylori, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The issues of increased ratings for bilateral foot calluses have also been dismissed.

The Veteran's endometriosis and pelvic adhesions with chronic pelvic pain, status post laparotomy are remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected condition.,PTSD is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and severity of her PTSD.,CFS is remanded for a thorough VA examination to clarify whether the Veteran has a diagnosis of CFS, and to clarify the nature and etiology of her disability.,Right foot numbness and pain are remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her right foot condition.,Right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome is remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of her right upper extremity condition.

The Board has decided that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of IBS, CFS, sleep disturbance (which is related to PTSD), or vertigo. The claims for these conditions are denied. However, due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's vertigo, the case is being remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, low back disability, and tinnitus. The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome is denied.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, as these issues are not within its jurisdiction due to finality of previous decisions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his fatigue with flu-like symptoms, chills, weight loss, musculoskeletal pain in the chest and arms, headaches, and night-sweats (claimed as chronic fatigue syndrome) is granted. His current 20% disability rating remains unchanged.

The Veteran's right hand condition, including the ring finger, fibromyalgia (claimed as chronic fatigue syndrome), migraine headaches, back disorder, folliculitis and acne, and obstructive sleep apnea are not service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disability, muscle weakness, memory loss, and hair loss due to presumed exposure to environmental toxins during the Gulf War. The Veteran's current diagnoses of coronary artery disease, muscle weakness, memory impairment, and hair thinning were found to be related to his service-connected major depressive disorder.,The Board also denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome due to presumed exposure to environmental toxins during the Gulf War.

Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been withdrawn.,Service connection for sleep apnea, as secondary to service-connected PTSD, is granted.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his PTSD, traumatic amputation of the right middle finger, chronic fatigue syndrome, and various musculoskeletal conditions. The Board has determined that further examination is needed for all these claims due to the lack of recent examinations addressing current severity.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, bilateral ankle disabilities, pes planus, hypertension, and chronic fatigue syndrome as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for various disabilities, including lower extremity neurological disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney disability, liver disability, and left foot fungus. The Veteran's exposure during active service is alleged to be from handling nuclear/chemical weapons and contaminated soil/water.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 as VA-prescribed medication did not result in the claimed residuals and did not cause his death.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,Tinnitus has been granted service connection, with the Board finding that it is related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Veteran's claims for gastrointestinal problems, joint pain of the knees and elbows, memory loss, and chronic fatigue syndrome are being remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of chronic sinusitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and migraines have been granted. The Veteran is also awarded an initial rating of 30 percent for his migraines.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate Gulf War VA examination and need for further medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for continued symptoms of urine retention and incontinence as a residual of ablation of the posterior urethral valve surgery, but found that VA's failure to timely diagnose and properly treat the disease or injury did not cause additional disability. The case is remanded for further examination.