Chronic fatigue syndrome decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic fatigue syndrome prior to January 22, 2018 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show his symptoms restricted his daily activities to less than 50% of pre-illness level or resulted in periods of incapacitation lasting at least four but less than six weeks per year. For TDIU prior to January 22, 2018, the Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's endometriosis is granted as service connected. The secondary service connection claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, osteopenia of the left femoral neck, osteopenia of the lumbar spine, colon surgery, appendectomy, left lapingo-oophroectomy, hysterectomy, and infertility are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic fatigue, muscle pain, and joint pain as separate disabilities due to the presence of a known diagnosis (fibromyalgia) that already receives compensation.,Service connection was granted for dermatitis based on objective indications of a qualifying chronic disability related to Persian Gulf service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for chronic fatigue with dizziness due to medically unexplained multi-symptom illness and a higher disability evaluation for headaches. The issues are related as they involve overlapping disabilities, and further development is needed to address the nature and severity of these conditions over the relevant periods.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The evidence does not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation, nor is there continuity of symptomatology since service. The VA examiners found no evidence to support a diagnosis of CFS and noted that the Veteran's fatigue symptoms were more likely related to his pre-existing conditions such as OSA.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of chronic fatigue syndrome and cerebral aneurysm for further development. The Veteran's claims will be reviewed again with new examinations by qualified medical professionals.

The Veteran's asthma and functional dyspepsia have been granted presumptive service connection. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the other issues.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has remanded the case for further development and rating consideration.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with its June 2021 remand directives regarding the Veteran's claim of service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Therefore, an additional remand is required to verify her claimed exposure to burn pits and obtain a VA medical opinion on whether her symptoms are at least as likely as not due to such exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records. The issues of service connection for left ankle disability, left eye disability, CFS, and fibromyalgia are all being remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability, sinus disability to include sinusitis, left ankle disability, and chronic fatigue syndrome due to incomplete verification of the Veteran's periods of active duty, active duty for training, and inactive duty for training with the Florida Air National Guard.

The claim for an initial compensable disability rating for service-connected vertigo is dismissed.,The claim for an effective date earlier than May 1, 2015, for service-connected tinnitus is denied. The earliest date on which service connection for tinnitus may be effective is May 1, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right ankle fracture with chronic sprain, service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, left ankle disability, and left knee disability due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and changes in VA regulations.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen his claim for service connection of chronic fatigue syndrome was withdrawn by the appellant in August 2017.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, right hip disability, and left hip disability has been denied. The Board found that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of these conditions.,Service connection was also denied for secondary hip disabilities to service-connected knee disorders.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a fatigue disability, including chronic fatigue syndrome and as fatigue due to an undiagnosed illness, should be remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for respiratory disability/allergic rhinitis and fatigue have been reopened.,Service connection is granted for fibromyalgia, PTSD, depressive disorder (secondary to PTSD and chronic sinusitis), sleep apnea, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for clarification on whether the Veteran currently has a diagnosis of sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification of opinions regarding service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and a heart condition secondary to sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are not currently granted as there is no competent evidence linking them to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a low back disability, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus secondary to CAD, chronic fatigue and joint pain due to an undiagnosed illness, sleep apnea secondary to PTSD, and total disability based on individual unemployability.