Fibromyalgia decisions — 2013

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and TDIU, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and active duty service.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is now at 70%, meeting the minimum schedular requirements for a TDIU. However, he was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities from October 25, 2004 until April 24, 2005.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed fibromyalgia is not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU rating, and his claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for another examination to determine if the Veteran currently has fibromyalgia and whether it is at least as likely as not related to service, including a motor vehicle accident.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia has been rated at 40 percent since September 21, 1996. The current rating is maintained as the symptoms continue to meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating.

The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's fibromyalgia is not secondary to his service-connected shell fragment wounds of the feet and left knee.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for migraine headaches and fibromyalgia were denied as there was no prior informal claim or evidence of entitlement prior to March 31, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fibromyalgia is proximately due to and the result of his service-connected depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service connection for multiple joint and muscle pain, including fibromyalgia, has been granted. His left cubital tunnel syndrome is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claimed conditions of joint pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthralgia and arthritis of multiple joints (excluding right shoulder and lumbar spine) were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia and assigned a noncompensable rating. The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and fibromyalgia were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred on June 16, 2007 was denied as the circumstances did not constitute a medical emergency and VA facilities were available.

The Board found that fibromyalgia is not related to the Veteran's active military service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder warrants a 30 percent evaluation, effective June 22, 2006.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, pain disorder, depressive disorder, and cognitive impairment, has been rated at 70 percent since March 24, 2003. The Veteran also received a TDIU rating effective April 26, 2010.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for irritable colon syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity have been withdrawn by the authorized representative. The claims of increased ratings for residuals of a right index finger disability, GERD, fibromyalgia, non-cardiac chest pain due to undiagnosed illness, rhinitis with sinusitis, skin disorder (including tinea cruris, tinea pedis, tinea capitis, and psuedofolliculitis barbae), and onychomycosis of the toenails have been granted. The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records, as well as further development of his fibromyalgia claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection and secondary service connection, as well as his claim for an initial compensable disability rating for migraine cephalgia. The case is being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of the evidence.