Fibromyalgia decisions — 2014

The Veteran's fibromyalgia was rated at 10 percent prior to February 28, 2011 and at 20 percent from February 28, 2011 to January 11, 2013. The maximum schedular evaluation of 40 percent has been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further examination. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's sleep disorder is found to be due to his service-connected PTSD. The Gulf War illness claim and the secondary service connection claim for other symptoms are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining new medical records and an examination regarding her bilateral leg, hip, and ankle disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine his need for aid and attendance or whether he is housebound due to service-connected disabilities. The issue of service connection for tinnitus will also be remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, allergic rhinitis, and resolved doubt in favor of the Veteran's assertions regarding her current symptoms. The appeal is dismissed as the appellant withdrew her claims for fibromyalgia, eczema, skin rash, hair loss (due to stress), residuals of animal bite, and allergies.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, fibromyalgia, sexual dysfunction, or bilateral foot disability for which service connection can be granted. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of whether the Veteran's conditions are due to undiagnosed illness or other qualifying chronic disability pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1117.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral lower extremity disability, including rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fibromyalgia was not shown in service or for several years thereafter, and the most probative evidence fails to link the current disorder to service. As a result, the claim for service connection for fibromyalgia is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and joint pain. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly assess these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, meet the criteria for a TDIU due to their combined rating of 60 percent. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for TDIU and DEA benefits were denied as he did not meet the percentage requirements for these benefits prior to November 6, 2004.,Service connection was granted for tinnitus but this does not affect the denial of TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and found that she currently has a current diagnosis of hypertension related to her military service. The case is remanded for further examination regarding the Veteran's fibromyalgia claim, which may be secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's case is being remanded for a VA examination to assess her ability to maintain employment due to her service-connected disabilities. The issue of entitlement to TDIU will be referred to the Director, Compensation and Pension Service, for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and fibromyalgia are found to be related to her in-service lifting injuries, meeting the criteria for service connection on a direct basis. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.