Fibromyalgia decisions — 2013

The Veteran's psychogenic movement disorder is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome is granted at a 40 percent rating since December 26, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia/ myalgia is currently rated at a maximum of 40 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available for this condition. The Board has granted this maximum rating.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for fibromyalgia and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia is being remanded due to the need for an examination to determine if her current condition is related to active service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's fibromyalgia is related to her service, including treatment for psychiatric and viral conditions. As a result, the claim of service connection for fibromyalgia is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia, secondary to her service-connected hepatitis C, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records. The issue remains whether he should receive an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, including Gulf War Syndrome, depression, neuropathy, radiculopathy, and various other symptoms. The issues are related to service connection for these conditions, with some seeking reopening of a previously denied claim for migraine headaches.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia but denied service connection for neck, thoracolumbar spine, and right hip disorders other than those related to fibromyalgia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and consideration of his service connection claims, including a request for supplemental opinions from the May 2013 VA examiner or an appropriate substitute.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for major depressive disorder, migraine headaches, lumbar strain, and fibromyalgia are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an upper and lower back disorder, fibromyalgia, hypertension, and a psychiatric disorder have been reopened. The decision is pending further development.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently rated at 40 percent disabling, effective December 29, 2010. The disability is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tender points that are nearly constant and refractory to therapy.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for chronic sleep apnea and fibromyalgia, finding that there was no competent medical evidence to support these claims. The right elbow disorder claim is also addressed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and MDD, as well as fibromyalgia claimed as secondary to her psychiatric disorders, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and an examination. The appeal will be considered based on new evidence that reopened the claim.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, chronic pain disorder; inflammatory arthritis of the right and left knees; and edema of the ankles and legs were denied as these conditions are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to her active duty service.,Specifically, the Board found that there is no evidence linking any of the claimed conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to address the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia is rated at 40 percent since November 21, 2006. Effective March 29, 2013, the Veteran is also granted a separate 30 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as an additional manifestation of his service-connected fibromyalgia.