Fibromyalgia decisions — 2017

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are due to a medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness and have been present since his military service. Service connection is also granted for chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches are not related to service or her service-connected sinusitis and/or allergic rhinitis disabilities, and thus denied her claim for service connection. The issue of increased rating for fibromyalgia with irritable bowel syndrome remains pending.

The Veteran seeks service connection for fibromyalgia. The RO last denied service connection in May 2010, and the case is now remanded due to a need for additional examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his conditions are not related to his military service.,Service connection was not granted for obstructive sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a bilateral eye disability, residuals of a head injury, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorder, PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, memory loss, insomnia, or a sleep disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is granted for tinea versicolor, periodontal disease, and some other conditions. The decision also acknowledges the Veteran's claims for hypertension as a qualifying chronic disability under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently rated at 40 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that her symptoms are constant and nearly constant, with widespread pain affecting both sides of her body above and below the waist.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain with degenerative changes are service-connected, and the claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Veteran's right carpal tunnel syndrome was granted a rating of 30 percent effective October 22, 2010. The effective date for this increased rating is set at May 22, 2010, as the claim for an increase in disability arose on that date.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as qualifying chronic disabilities under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 due to their association with undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained multisymptom illnesses.

The Board has determined that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance for the Veteran's spouse is not warranted due to her functional capacity, which does not require personal assistance from others.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), neurological symptoms, respiratory issues, and cognitive disorder/memory loss, all of which are claimed to be due to undiagnosed illness or exposure to hazardous chemicals. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is related to service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, as well as reopening of several previously denied claims. The case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video conference Board hearing.

The Veteran's TBI residuals and ocular migraine headaches have been rated based on their severity, with the highest rating of 50% for the period from February 27, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected dysthymic disorder and fibromyalgia do not render her unemployable, as she is also unable to work due to nonservice-connected disabilities. The Board denies the claim for a TDIU rating.