Fibromyalgia decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, mycoplasma infection, right and left knee disorders, as well as increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right and left wrists have all been granted.

Service connection is granted for vision problems due to exposure to herbicides. Service connection is denied for undifferentiated connective tissue disease, prostate problems, fibromyalgia, memory problems, and PTSD.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple service-connected disabilities, rated at a combined 70 percent disabling, preclude her from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment. As such, TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for bipolar disorder, and that arteriosclerotic heart disease was not related to service-connected bipolar disorder. Service connection for fibromyalgia and degenerative arthritis was also denied as these conditions were not shown to be related to service.

The Board found that the appellant's claimed conditions are proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected polio and post-polio syndrome (PPS). As a result, these conditions have been granted as secondary to service-connected disability.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea with daytime hypersomnolence and narcolepsy, as well as fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's waiver claim is being remanded due to the need for a statement of the case addressing this issue and notification of appellate rights.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher initial ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The case will then be returned to the Board for further appellate review.

The Board has reopened the service connection claim for fibromyalgia and granted it, finding that the Veteran's symptoms have manifested to a degree of at least 10 percent.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is manifested by chronic headaches, multiple joint pains, and fatigue. The Board finds the current 40 percent rating appropriately addresses his symptoms.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his request for withdrawal of all claims except for a higher rating for PTSD, TDIU, and service connection for diverticulosis and shingles.

The Board denied service connection for hypoglycemia, varicose veins, TMJ disability, and hearing loss. Service connection was granted for fibromyalgia, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, and arthritis of multiple joints.

Service connection is denied for all claimed conditions as the competent evidence does not establish a link between any current disabilities and service or any presumptive period.

The Veteran's myofascial pain syndrome is found to be etiologically related to service, and the claim for this condition is granted. The issue of entitlement to service connection for fibromyalgia remains pending.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia has been granted service connection and assigned the maximum schedular rating since December 16, 2003. The effective date for the grant of service connection is June 13, 2001.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and records from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of head trauma. However, the claims were denied as there is no medical evidence showing a current disability related to her service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and missing SSA records, requiring a new VA examination and additional development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's immune system disorder (chronic anemia) is service-connected, as it first manifested during her service. The Veteran's fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a connection to service.