Fibromyalgia decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected fibromyalgia prior to May 28, 2013, and 40 percent effective from that date was granted.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a current diagnosis of fibromyalgia or peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and thus denied the claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition or its manifestations during service, and the current conditions are not linked to service.,The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations were also denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have fibromyalgia at any time during the period on appeal and therefore, service connection for fibromyalgia is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to determine whether service connection can be established for fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis of the shoulders, and plantar warts and chondromalacia of the knees. The Veteran's claims are currently pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including thyroid disorder, numbness of upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, unspecified disorders, muscle atrophy, and esophageal disorder, were denied as the evidence did not support a link to active service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for migraine headaches and granted it, finding that new evidence supports a worsening of the condition during Gulf War service. Service connection is also granted for fibromyalgia due to Gulf War service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.,Service connection for various musculoskeletal disabilities (thoracolumbar spine, right knee, left knee, bilateral shoulder) is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for a right knee disability is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for a left knee disability is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability is being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (depression) is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for fibromyalgia. The Veteran's fibromyalgia is being evaluated based on whether it began in service or is related to service, including military sexual trauma.

The Board has determined that the claims for service connection for vertigo and fibromyalgia need further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The Veteran's current vertigo and fibromyalgia may be related to her in-service symptoms and conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection for fibromyalgia, with migraine headaches, colitis, and muscle fatigue and pain. The issue of TDIU is being remanded to allow for readjudication in light of this grant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for fibromyalgia, entitlement to TDIU prior to October 2, 2011, and SMC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s).

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not suffer from fibromyalgia during her active service or for many years thereafter, and there is no competent evidence linking her fibromyalgia to her active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for fibromyalgia is denied.

The Veteran's spouse has been diagnosed with several conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, essential tremors, osteoarthritis requiring knee replacement and high blood pressure. The Board finds that the evidence shows she requires regular aid and attendance due to her disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck pain, thoracic and lumbar spine disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and bilateral leg pain as these conditions are not separate from her service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are presumed to have been incurred in active service due to his service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that a VA examination and medical opinion are needed to determine whether the Veteran has fibromyalgia, which is distinct from his service-connected spine disabilities. The claim will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for Epstein-Barr Syndrome with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia was denied. The evidence did not show that the condition resulted in debilitating fatigue that significantly impaired her ability to conduct daily activities or self-care.