Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2019

The Veteran's fuel oil heating system was replaced due to its production of airborne irritants that aggravated his service-connected restrictive lung disease. The Board found the replacement necessary and granted HISA benefits for this modification.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue, finding that there was not substantial compliance with its January 2018 remand and that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his chronic fatigue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and a rating for gastrointestinal disabilities, including GERD and diverticulitis, as well as chronic fatigue syndrome. The Veteran is also being asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain his private medical records related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to incomplete records and further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for lumbosacral strain, left hip strain, allergic rhinitis, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia due to inadequate rationale in the previous VA examination.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for a peptic ulcer, loss of smell, chronic fatigue syndrome, and total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The claims for service connection for mononucleosis, upper bilateral extremity disability, and lower back disability were reopened due to new and material evidence. Other issues remain pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The remaining issues of service connection for a respiratory disorder, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral ankle tendonitis was denied. The claim for fibromyalgia, a medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness related to Southwest Asia service, was granted. Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were both denied.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the cases of PTSD, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue was reopened, but the claims for hernia, left knee disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were all remanded due to insufficient evidence. The initial rating for left knee disability remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is remanded due to the need for an examination and further clarification of his symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Memory Loss claimed as Dementia, and Right Lung Disorder (Nodule) due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or relationship to service.,Service records did not show any complaints, diagnoses, or treatments related to these conditions during active duty. The Veteran's lay statements were considered but found not credible in establishing the onset of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including CFS, low back condition, left and right knee conditions, balance problems, cognitive problems, neuropathic or neurological condition, insomnia, and irritable bowel syndrome, has been granted. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for a left hip disability and chronic fatigue with sleep problems, depression, and anxiety. The Veteran's hypertension and headaches were denied as there is no evidence of such conditions in service or related to service.,For the issues of increased ratings for radiculopathy of the lower extremities, the Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, is granted. The issue of service connection for a chronic fatigue condition (previously described as drowsiness) is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and need for a new VA examination. The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is now pending again.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), including as secondary to the service-connected psychiatric disability, due to a lack of clarity in the VA medical opinion provided. The Veteran's attorney submitted two articles that suggest an association between sleep apnea and psychiatric disabilities, which needs further clarification.

The Board has denied service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and granted an earlier effective date of April 10, 2017, for the increased rating of Persistent Depressive Disorder. The Veteran's claims for hypertension, OSA, and diabetes mellitus are remanded for further development.