Fibromyalgia decisions — 2011

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and sciatica are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the Veteran was already receiving the highest schedular rating available for fibromyalgia and did not have a compensable rating for carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist prior to August 7, 2008. For the period after August 7, 2008, she had a noncompensable rating for that condition. The Veteran's patella compression syndrome of both knees was also found not to warrant an increased rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings remain in appellate status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination. The issues on appeal include service connection for fibromyalgia and related disorders of the feet and right leg.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not warrant a higher initial rating than 70 percent, and his claim for service connection of fibromyalgia is also denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for fibromyalgia and granted this claim on the merits, finding that her current fibromyalgia is related to active service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have fibromyalgia and his symptoms are related to hypothyroidism, which is a diagnosed condition. Therefore, service connection for fibromyalgia cannot be granted on a presumptive basis.

The Veteran's service connection claims for fibromyalgia (claimed as polymyalgia) and acquired psychiatric disorder are granted. The Veteran is awarded a 10 percent rating for residuals of right clavicle fracture, effective January 18, 2002. Service connection for hydradenitis suppurative remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for fibromyalgia and an increased rating claim for fibromyalgia, finding that her symptoms were episodic and responsive to therapy. The appeal was remanded for further development regarding a respiratory disability.

The Board has found that the Veteran's low back disorder, including arthritis, is not service-connected. The claim for osteopenia remains unresolved.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for separate compensable ratings for her right and left knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of separate knee disability. The current 40 percent rating for fibromyalgia already includes symptoms related to both knees.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for impotence, IBS (diarrhea), and fibromyalgia have been granted with effective dates of July 31, 1995. The RO implemented the Board's June 2002 decisions to grant these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, shrinking testicles, and a skin disorder due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn regarding the issue of residuals of colonoscopy with polyp removal. The Board finds that service connection is not warranted for any of the other issues raised, as there is no evidence of a current disability or nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate examination and incomplete VCAA notice.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to her request for a hearing before the Board. Her claims regarding fibromyalgia, nerve impairment on the left side of the body, and sacroiliac dysfunction are still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fibromyalgia is not related to her active duty service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the Veteran's fibromyalgia and determine its relationship to service. Additionally, a TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with this issue and requires further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for thoracolumbar DDD prior to March 6, 2009 was denied. The claim for a TDIU effective date prior to March 6, 2009, was remanded.