Fibromyalgia decisions — 2012

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for ankle and heel disabilities, service connection for bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, and hepatitis C. The decision also addressed whether new and material evidence had been received to reopen a claim for hepatitis C.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims, including for chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia, left hand arthritis, right knee disorder, mid-and-low-back disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and skin disorder. The appeals are remanded to obtain additional medical records, provide VCAA notice, and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for fibromyalgia and hypertension to allow for further examination and consideration. The Veteran's fibromyalgia and hypertension are being considered as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and COPD as due to an undiagnosed illness during service. The Veteran's claims were not addressed in terms of presumptive service connection under the Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses presumption.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn with respect to the issues of service connection for sinusitis, rhinitis, and a chronic disability manifested by hematuria, as well as initial ratings for depressive disorder/panic disorder and migraine headaches. The Board dismisses these appeals.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for neuralgia of circumflex nerve (chest wall pain) and fibromyalgia was denied by the Board. The evidence did not show that his disability picture warranted an extra-schedular rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia, which he asserts is related to in-service exposure to ionizing radiation, requires further development. The case is being remanded to develop private treatment records and obtain a dose estimate from VA's Undersecretary for Health before considering the claim under 38 C.F.R. § 3.311. If service connection is not granted pursuant to this development, the Veteran will be afforded a VA examination to determine if his fibromyalgia was incurred or aggravated as a result of active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including low back strain and rheumatoid arthritis, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection based on direct service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across the board. The Board found no evidence of chronic disabilities in service or continuous symptoms since service separation.