Fibromyalgia decisions — 2012

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing and further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia and an initial evaluation for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between the current disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple claims for increased ratings and effective date determinations related to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has ordered additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying the application of certain regulations.

The Veteran's lupus erythematosus and fibromyalgia have been rated at the highest available schedular ratings for their respective conditions, with a separate rating for fibromyalgia effective from August 5, 2010.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and polymorphous light eruption were found to be service-connected. Lupus was not found to be service-connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records, arranging for examinations, and considering extraschedular evaluations.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for erectile dysfunction due to the Veteran's in-service complaints of decreased libido and subsequent treatment with medication. The evidence is at least in equipoise on whether fibromyalgia was incurred during service, as evidenced by his testimony about symptoms beginning during service and continuing since then.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic cholesterol (claimed as 'chronic cholesterol') is denied. The remaining claims are addressed in the remand.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and evidence to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran does not have a diagnosed left hip disorder, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, fibromyalgia, neck disorder, low back disorder, or right knee disorder.,Service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, finding that his symptoms are manifestations of his service-connected fibromyalgia and thus not separate disabilities.

The Veteran's joint pain, muscle pain, and sleep disturbance are attributed to fibromyalgia. Her headaches are diagnosed as tension headaches and not due to an undiagnosed illness. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examination and development of the record to determine if a higher evaluation can be assigned for her service-connected polyarthralgia due to hepatitis C, and whether fibromyalgia should be considered as related to service or a service-connected disorder.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased initial ratings for fibromyalgia with headaches and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Veteran seeks service connection for fibromyalgia, polyarthralgia and/or systemic degenerative joint disease. The Board has remanded the case to obtain a medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue syndrome has been granted a disability rating of 20 percent since October 31, 2006. The condition is characterized by near-constant symptoms that sometimes restrict daily activities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition and it could not be attributed to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied.,New evidence has not been received to reopen previously denied claims of fibromyalgia, right knee disability, gastritis, vertigo with syncope, stomach ulcers, or a heart condition.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% effective from the date of claim, resolving her appeal for a higher initial evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to his Afghanistan deployment have been granted, with the diagnosis of PTSD based on fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. The conditions are presumed due to exposure in a war zone.