Fibromyalgia decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, and thus service connection cannot be granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a neurological disorder, peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal disorder other than ulcers, fibromyalgia, and hypertension were all denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities related to toxic chemical exposure in service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, some of which have been reopened due to new evidence. The case is being remanded for further development and readjudication.

The Board has decided to reschedule the Veteran's hearing for his claims of service connection for narcolepsy with cataplexy and parasomnia, and fibromyalgia due to a failure to appear at the previously scheduled hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, insomnia, and fibromyalgia due to Gulf War exposure. Service connection was denied for the remaining conditions.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining a new medical examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's fibromyalgia and whether he has separate knee or elbow disabilities. The examiner should also provide a full description of the effects of his service-connected fibromyalgia on his ability to work and on activities of daily living.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for his service-connected skin rash and chronic fatigue syndrome were denied. The Veteran also had multiple attempts to reopen previously denied claims of service connection for hearing loss, keratosis pilaris, shortness of breath, weakness, forgetfulness/depression, and headaches.