Fibromyalgia decisions — 2000

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well-grounded, and thus denied them. The claims for fatigue and headaches are considered well-grounded.

The Board found that the veteran did not develop arthritis of multiple joints or fibromyalgia in service, nor were these conditions aggravated by service. The claims for both conditions were denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the RO found no new and material evidence to reopen several of his claims. The prostate disorder claim was not well-grounded due to lack of a current disability related to service. The hearing loss and cardiac disability claims were withdrawn by the veteran. The liver disorder claim was not well-grounded as there is no indication of a current disability or relationship to service. The gastrointestinal and skin disorder claims were also not well-grounded.

The veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbosacral spine fibromyalgia did not render her unemployable prior to August 30, 1994.

The Board found that the veteran's current fibromyalgia was not present during her active military service and denied her claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are not well grounded. His claim of entitlement to service connection for an eye condition is well grounded. The original ratings for epididymitis with a right epididymal cyst and hemorrhoids do not warrant the application of staged ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are well-grounded and meet the criteria for a 30% evaluation. The claims for fibromyalgia and residuals of a neck injury (including DDD of the cervical spine) have been granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and chronic headache disorder were denied. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome was also denied.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral knee pain was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's fibromyalgia had its onset during service and granted her claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. The claim for depression was reopened but not granted as well-grounded. The rating for hemorrhoids remains at noncompensable.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including cardiovascular disability and psychiatric disability. The evidence does not support a finding of new and material evidence to reopen these claims.

The veteran's fibromyalgia is found to be causally related to active duty service and granted as service connected. The issue of TDIU remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of low back strain with arthritis, service connection for diabetes mellitus, neuropathy, and fibromyalgia. The claim for PTSD was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for fibromyalgia, finding that new and material evidence was not presented to reopen the claim.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was denied as his disabilities did not meet the criteria for such a rating.

The veteran is seeking service connection for migraine headaches as a separate condition from her already service-connected fibromyalgia. The case must be remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining medical evidence and determining if the veteran desires an in-person hearing.

The Board finds that the veteran's claim of service connection for fibromyalgia, as secondary to a service-connected back disability is well grounded. The case is remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right upper extremity is denied. The Board finds that her current disability level does not warrant a higher evaluation than the currently assigned 10 percent rating. For special monthly compensation by reason of need for regular aid and attendance, the evidence shows that the veteran requires assistance with daily activities due to her physical limitations and medical conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's fibromyalgia was incurred in service and her bilateral hip pain is related to her diagnosed condition. The claim for residuals of an umbilical hernia is not well-grounded.