Fibromyalgia decisions — 2018

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and depression are all granted service connection.,Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the right hand, arthritis of the left hand, fibromyalgia, cervical spine disability, thoracic spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and a sleep-related disability (including obstructive sleep apnea) are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for obstructive defects, skin disabilities, fibromyalgia, headaches, and depressive disorder have been dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for fibromyalgia, to include bilateral shoulder and hand joint pain.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and asthma as there was no current disability found by VA examiners. The Veteran's claims for an initial evaluation higher than 70 percent for PTSD were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Board has identified several issues that require further examination and evidence, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, right shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, low back disabilities, CFS, IBS, and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia was granted service connection. The bilateral foot disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and bilateral lower extremity neuropathy as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia, but dismissed the claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, right ear hearing loss, and PTSD.

The Veteran's ED is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD and diabetes. His TDIU claim is also granted. The claims for fibromyalgia, left knee disorder, vision loss in both eyes, kidney stones, residuals of a TBI, RLS, and TMJ are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a supplemental medical opinion to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome and how her fibromyalgia may be contributing to her fatigue.

The Board has denied service connection for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, finding no evidence of these conditions during the appeal period.,Service connection is also denied for an acquired psychiatric disability (also claimed as anxiety and depression), a muscle disability to include as due to an unspecified undiagnosed illness, and a left leg condition. The Veteran's claims are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus is denied. An initial disability rating of 40 percent for fibromyalgia is granted, effective November 29, 2007. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective January 9, 2018.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fibromyalgia is service-connected, with no rating assigned and effective date not specified.

The Board has denied service connection for epididymal cysts, joint pain (fibromyalgia), and scalp abscess due to lack of evidence of current disabilities during the appeal period. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding fibromyalgia and any skin disability.

The Board dismissed all service connection and increased rating claims as the Veteran withdrew his appeals for these issues during a Travel Board hearing. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to the Veteran's reported exposure to toxic chemicals during a flood and cleanup at Fort Leonard Wood in 1975. The VA is instructed to investigate further and obtain additional information.

The Veteran's previously denied service connection claims for a chronic respiratory disorder, skin disorders, left knee strain, sleep disorder, gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, and muscular and joint pain are all granted. The appeals have been remanded for additional medical opinions on the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, skin disability, cognitive disability, heart disability, head/neck knots, and left arm tingling/numbness. The Veteran's exposure to loud noise during service was not contested.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia and low back strain, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions had their onset in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including fibromyalgia and elbow/knee disabilities. The case is being returned to the RO for additional development, including obtaining training dates from the Army Reserve Unit and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and IBS as due to an undiagnosed illness, requiring a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to in-service exposures during Gulf War Service.