Fibromyalgia decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected right 4th metacarpal fracture with fusion and limited range of motion was granted a rating in excess of 10 percent, and his decreased range of motion was also granted an increased (compensable) rating. Service connection for fibromyalgia was granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for fibromyalgia, lumbar spine arthritis, and bilateral pes planus have been denied as the current ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes are considered to be the highest possible.

The Board found that the Veteran's fibromyalgia did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to her military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of her fibromyalgia and consideration of her TDIU claim.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia, finding that the Veteran's symptoms have manifested to a degree of 10 percent disabling and are presumed due to his service in the Persian Gulf. The remaining issues on appeal will be addressed at a video conference hearing.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and active military service or periods of ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine her employability due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no credible or competent evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, as his symptoms are not linked to his military service. The claim for an increased rating for low back disability was denied due to failure to report for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of her fibromyalgia and whether she is unemployable due to service-connected disabilities. Her complete VA treatment records and private medical records are also requested.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing proper notice regarding the reopening of the service connection claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, conjunctivitis, lumbar strain and spinal degenerative arthritis, sinusitis, hypertension, bronchitis, cervical degenerative arthritis with spondylosis with right arm radiculopathy, and degenerative arthritis of the arms, wrists, and hands. The Board found that there was no evidence of these conditions during service or within one year after separation.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia and multiple joint disability (arthalgia) as the evidence did not support a medical relationship between these conditions and military service.

The Board has determined that the reduction in evaluation of bilateral hearing loss from 40 percent to 30 percent effective December 1, 2010 is proper.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for the claimed conditions, including migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, left ankle osteoarthritis and ankylosis of bilateral hand, fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for right lumbar radiculopathy as a component of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, fibromyalgia (to include as secondary to PTSD), and arthritis have been denied. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD from May 3, 2007 through April 18, 2011 has been granted. The Veteran's claims of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD since April 19, 2011 and to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) from November 19, 2007 through April 18, 2011 have been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his service, including any exposure to chemicals at Edgewood Arsenal. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fibromyalgia is related to his military service, including an infection suffered therein. The decision grants service connection for fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and migraines have been granted service connection, with a 50% rating for her migraine headaches over the entire appeals period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied as the evidence did not show a link between any of these conditions and his military service, including exposure to herbicides.