Fibromyalgia decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a respiratory disorder was denied, and his acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is currently rated at 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to higher initial ratings for fibromyalgia with irritable bowel syndrome and major depressive disorder, finding that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for fibromyalgia with irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have arthritis, tendonitis, or fibromyalgia due to service. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia was granted a higher rating of 40 percent effective July 10, 2013. Service connection for the back condition and bilateral hearing loss were denied.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for a sleep apnea disability, but the case must be remanded to obtain an updated VA examination regarding the Veteran's claimed fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's service connection claims for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Sleep Disorder were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of service connection.,There was no current diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The Veteran's fatigue symptoms were attributed to his PTSD and depression.

The Veteran's head injury in service resulted in an acquired psychiatric disorder, which is now considered a compensable rating for residual scarring over the right eyebrow. The Board also granted service connection for residuals of a head injury resulting in an acquired psychiatric disorder and polyneuropathy as secondary to the head injury.

The Veteran's service connection claims for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and migraine headaches have been granted. The initial disability rating for PTSD has also been increased to 100 percent effective March 7, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disorders are not related to military service.,Regarding her fibromyalgia, the VA examiner found no history of evaluation, treatment, diagnosis or chronicity of symptoms for fibromyalgia during military service. The examiner also found she currently does not meet the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, fibromyalgia, and left knee disabilities have caused unemployability since October 9, 2008. The TDIU claim is granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia has been granted a 40 percent rating since June 2, 2016.

The Board found no current diagnosis of sinusitis and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The psychiatric conditions were not related to service, and fibromyalgia was not related to service either.

The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia renders her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU based on this condition.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for an updated VA examination and opinion regarding her employability, as well as obtaining recent VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fibromyalgia, right shoulder tendinitis, and left shoulder arthritis are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and a sleep disorder, finding that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's OSA is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active service and is not related to his service-connected psychiatric disability.,Hypertension was not shown to be present within one year of separation from service, and the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis that meets the criteria for a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317(a)(1).,Peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active service and is not related to his service-connected psychiatric disability.,ED was not shown to be present within one year of separation from service, and the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis that meets the criteria for a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317(a)(1).,CFS is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active service or to a degree of 10 percent or more within one year after separation from service, and there are no objective indications of qualifying chronic disability.,Fibromyalgia is not service-connected as it did not manifest during active service and is not related to his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was withdrawn.,The Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent rating for bilateral temporomandibular dysfunction prior to October 7, 2014 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter. ,The Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent rating for migraine headaches prior to October 9, 2014 and in excess of 30 percent thereafter.,The Veteran is entitled to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service connection claims for PTSD, hearing loss, and arthritis are not supported by the provided information. The Veteran has been granted new evidence to reopen his claim for fibromyalgia, but no rating assigned due to lack of supporting documentation or evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected respiratory disability, fibromyalgia, and CAD have not been manifested by compensable symptoms. Service connection for syphilis has not been established.