Chronic fatigue syndrome Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, cervical spine disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and paralysis of the left ulnar nerve was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of CFS or any other condition related to his claimed disabilities, and that his symptoms were already compensated in his existing service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims for further development due to the need for updated treatment records and VA examination. The Veteran's joint and muscle pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, headaches, neurological condition, night sweats, and acquired psychiatric disorder are all being reviewed.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue symptoms and fibromyalgia are granted as secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy, and the Veteran's fibromyalgia is also granted due to its presumptive connection based on his Persian Gulf veteran status.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have worsened, and additional examinations are needed to determine the current severity of his PTSD, headaches, right ear hearing loss, CFS, fibromyalgia, IBS, GERD, sleep apnea, and TBI. The Veteran also has new claims for service connection for these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the initial rating claims for heart disorder and scar, left upper chest. The Veteran's tension headaches have been granted service connection. Service connection is also sought for muscle and joint pain (fibromyalgia), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and hypothyroidism. These issues are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic pelvic pain have been denied. The Board found no current disabilities related to these conditions.,For the condition claimed as due to asbestos exposure, the Veteran has not provided evidence of a current disability or persistent symptoms that may be associated with her in-service exposure.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, headache/migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, erectile dysfunction, fibromyalgia, and lumbar spine disability due to new evidence submitted since the last denial. The cases are remanded as they remain on the merits.

The Veteran's IBS, fibromyalgia, and CFS have been granted service connection due to their presumptive association with service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.,The Veteran has also withdrawn her appeals for a higher rating on PTSD prior to June 29, 2019 and for undiagnosed illness claimed as menstrual disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mood disorder are being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected ALL treatment is found to be the cause of his chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), skin conditions with dermoid cysts, insomnia, degenerative arthritis, mechanical back pain, facet joint arthropathy, spondylosis, left knee disability, right knee disability, and right ankle disability.,The Veteran's service-connected ALL treatment is found to be the cause of his erectile dysfunction.

The claim for an effective date prior to February 16, 2016, for the grant of service connection for IBS is dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity. These claims are remanded for further review.,Service connection for CFS is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical records and need for further examination.

Additional evidence is needed to determine the Veteran's service connection claim for tinnitus. The Board requires that federal records and private treatment records be obtained.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (including an eating disorder leading to obesity) may require a VA examination due to his reported sleep habits in service, but more information is needed from the medical records.,Insomnia needs further evaluation as there are no current VA examinations addressing this issue. The Board requires that private treatment records be obtained and a VA examination conducted.,The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) may require a VA examination to determine if it is related to service, including his reported symptoms in service. More information from the medical records is needed.,A bilateral ankle disability needs further evaluation as there are no current VA examinations addressing this issue. The Board requires that private treatment records be obtained and a VA examination conducted.,The Veteran's low back disability may require a VA examination to determine if it is related to service, including his reported injury in service. More information from the medical records is needed.,Sciatica needs further evaluation as there are no current VA examinations addressing this issue. The Board requires that private treatment records be obtained and a VA examination conducted.,The Veteran's headache disability (including migraines) may require a VA examination to determine if it is related to service, including his reported symptoms in service. More information from the medical records is needed.,Residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI) needs further evaluation as there are no current VA examinations addressing this issue. The Board requires that private treatment records be obtained and a VA examination conducted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for plantar fasciitis of the left foot was reopened and granted.,Service connection was denied for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

The Veteran's dizzy spells, fatigue and malaise, and hypothyroidism were not shown to be related to service or any specific exposure event.,Service connection was denied for all three conditions as they are considered direct service connections.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a low back condition, bilateral hip conditions (secondary to a low back condition), and chronic fatigue syndrome due to incomplete records from the Veteran's recent military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, except for PTSD which is rated at 100%, do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are granted as they were manifested prior to September 2020. The claims for headache disability, bilateral lower extremity pain, and tachycardia are remanded due to lack of relevant VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding a rating in excess of the combined 20 percent assigned for right knee disability.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for service connection due to the Veteran's death.