Fibromyalgia decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected low back disability was granted, with a 20 percent evaluation effective from September 1, 2005. She also received separate service connection and a 20 percent evaluation for fibromyalgia.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia with palindromic rheumatism is significantly impairing but has not resulted in severe or totally incapacitating impairment of health, nor are exacerbations severely incapacitating. Therefore, a rating in excess of 40 percent for fibromyalgia with palindromic rheumatism is denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to undiagnosed illnesses.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease with mild lumbar stenosis at L4-5 and fibromyalgia from August 14, 2001 were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly fibromyalgia, render him unable to tend to the basic functions of self-care without regular assistance from another person and make him vulnerable to the hazards and dangers incident to his environment. The criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance have been met.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for her service-connected fibromyalgia, as there is no evidence of marked interference with employment due to the disability.

The veteran's fibromyalgia was not service-connected, but his lumbosacral strain with DDD resulted in a denied increased rating. The TDIU claim was granted.,The VA determined that the veteran's fibromyalgia is not related to his service-connected back disability and thus denied service connection for it.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for depression has been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claim prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic myofascitis, cognitive disorder due to closed head injury, and radiculopathy secondary to lumbar spine pathology have been granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, degenerative joint disease of the knees, hypertension, fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain syndrome, hepatitis C, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remain pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran should be afforded an examination by a VA rheumatologist to determine if she currently suffers from fibromyalgia and whether it is related to her military service. Additionally, outstanding treatment records must be obtained for consideration.

The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection for paresthesia of the lower extremities, including as secondary to fibromyalgia. The veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome was also denied an increased evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration, including a VA examination to determine the nature and severity of her adjustment disorder, fibromyalgia, and TMJ syndrome.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including residuals of cold injury, scars to the hands (claimed in part as due to burns), degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, fibromyalgia, and strabismus. The combined schedular evaluation was also denied.

The Board has denied the claim for service connection for fibromyalgia as there is no competent and persuasive evidence establishing a medical nexus between the current fibromyalgia and the appellant's service.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development of the veteran's claim regarding service connection for fibromyalgia and arthritis, which are claimed as secondary to PTSD.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for fibromyalgia, finding that the disability does not warrant a rating higher than 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for scheduling a hearing before a member of the Board due to the veteran's request and because good cause is shown.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia and thoracic spine disorder (to include thoracic outlet syndrome) as secondary to the veteran's bilateral shoulder disabilities and service-connected disabilities, respectively.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for impotence, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and fibromyalgia are being remanded due to procedural defects in the VCAA notice.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a nervous condition (likely depression) as secondary to his service-connected left shoulder disability. The Board has ordered the RO to obtain Social Security Administration records and schedule the veteran for a C&P examination to determine if his diagnosed mental disorders are caused or aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disability.