Fibromyalgia decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected Briquet's syndrome was denied. The Board found that the manifestations of Briquet's syndrome and PTSD are not similar, and thus assigned a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including those related to his Gulf War service and undiagnosed illnesses, are granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the service records and the need to verify the Veteran's service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis is being remanded due to the need for proper VCAA notice and additional development of her medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for fatigue, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and sleep apnea. The focus is on determining whether these conditions are related to active duty or a period of ACDUTRA in June 2002.

The Board found that the evidence did not show that VA medical care was the proximate cause of the Veteran's additional disabilities, and thus denied his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fibromyalgia is related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA fibromyalgia examination and obtaining updated treatment records. The Veteran's claim of service connection for fibromyalgia or other systemic joint disorder is pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for fibromyalgia, finding that there was no medical evidence indicating a diagnosis of this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to insufficient evidence and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied as his unemployability is primarily due to his bipolar disorder, not his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen several service connection claims for various conditions, but the claims are all denied as the appellant did not provide credible evidence of exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during service.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for residual scarring of the bridge of the nose but denied service connection for fibromyalgia. The Veteran appealed the denial of the claim for fibromyalgia, and this issue will be remanded to the RO.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings were granted, with the effective date being determined based on individual issue determinations.,For chronic lumbar strain with mild facet arthropathy and mild degenerative disc disease, a rating of 20 percent was assigned from September 27, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, personnel records, and examinations.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU based on his service-connected fibrositis-fibromyalgia and allergic rhinitis. The RO has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records, SSA disability benefits information, and employment information.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of the Veteran's lay evidence. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in excess of the current assigned disability ratings for PTSD, fibromyalgia, and IBS with a hiatal hernia and GERD.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to verify the Veteran's military service history before deciding her claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, fibromyalgia, and TMJ syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VRT records and VA treatment records. He also needs to be provided a supplemental statement of the case regarding his claim for a higher initial evaluation for fibromyalgia.