Fibromyalgia decisions — 2004

The VA determined that the veteran's current fibromyalgia is not etiologically related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's fibromyalgia was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinea versicolor, chronic back disorder, and fibromyalgia. The VA found no objective indications of chronic disability that could not be attributed to any known clinical diagnosis.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected bilateral pes valgus and pes planus with fibrositis of the calves was denied. She is currently in receipt of the maximum schedular disability evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected undiagnosed illness resulting from his Persian Gulf War service includes fatigue, rash over the face and hands, joint pain (fibromyalgia), and respiratory symptoms. His claim for increased ratings is also granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine (rated at 40%), hysterectomy (30%), history of avulsion fracture with fibromyalgia (20%), duodenal ulcer (10%), and residual scars from neck skin tag removal (noncompensable), result in a combined rating of 70%. The veteran is granted TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities, which preclude her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's fibromyalgia is service-connected and granted it. The issues of a higher initial rating for coronary artery disease and entitlement to TDIU are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for left chest wound costochondritis is being remanded due to the need for further examination and adjudication, including consideration of separate ratings for fibromyalgia and other related conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VCAA notice and needs further examination of the veteran's fibromyalgia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case for compliance with VCAA requirements and to obtain an independent medical examination regarding the veteran's fibromyalgia.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back strain with degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease warrants a combined rating of 50 percent, but no higher.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder and fibromyalgia (formerly classified as myasthenia gravis) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection and increased ratings are pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a head injury, including cognitive disorders and memory dysfunction, are service-connected. The mental disorder to include PTSD is not service-connected. Asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux disease, hypertension, and fibromyalgia are also not service-connected as secondary to any service-connected condition.

The Board denied an increased rating for fibromyalgia, finding that the evidence did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation than 20 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of lupus erythematosus. The veteran's fibromyalgia and TDIU claims are pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and further medical examinations are required. The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, fibromyalgia, and a low back disability will be reconsidered after all necessary steps have been taken.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for VA examinations. The veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are pending.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 40 percent for fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue syndrome from June 28, 2002. The veteran's disability is characterized as nearly constant and refractory to therapy.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for varicose veins and fibromyalgia were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation for fibromyalgia prior to December 23, 2003 or an evaluation in excess of 20 percent after that date.