Fibromyalgia decisions — 2018

The Board is remanding the claims for fibromyalgia, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and TDIU prior to January 25, 2018 due to new evidence received since the last Supplemental Statement of the Case.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia due to Gulf War service, but remanded the issue of service connection for a headache disorder.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of fibromyalgia is not related to his active duty service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including depression, has been granted. The claims for fibromyalgia, CFS, IBS, and sleep apnea have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and analysis.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 40 percent, and a higher rating is not available under this code. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and bilateral tinea pedis are granted service connection due to presumptive exposure. The sleep disorder is remanded for further evaluation.

Service connection for fibromyalgia, recurrent traumatic headaches (migraine with a posttraumatic mixed headache disorder), and tinnitus is granted. Effective March 16, 2009.

The Veteran's appeal for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is remanded due to an intertwined claim for service connection for lung disease. The lung disease claim has not yet been decided, so the SMC claim cannot be decided at this time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Epstein Barr virus or its associated conditions, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's headaches are not related to service, except for those already compensated by her fibromyalgia rating. The Veteran's GERD does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on persistent symptoms. Her fibromyalgia and acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD) appeals have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 16, 2012, for the award of SMC based on his spouse's need for aid and attendance was denied as there is no evidence showing that his spouse required regular aid and assistance with daily self-care tasks before this date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities, including fibromyalgia, lipomas, bilateral hand tremors, and an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, bilateral plantar calcaneal spurring, pes planus, hallux valgus, sleep apnea, hypertension, right upper extremity neurological disability, and left upper extremity neurological disability as secondary to her service-connected lumbar spine spondylolysis. The VA is directed to obtain relevant medical records, including VA treatment records and Workman's Compensation records, and provide the Veteran with appropriate examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for memory loss as secondary to fibromyalgia and TDIU due to additional development being required. The Veteran's claim of service connection is based on a theory of secondary service connection, while his TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia and obstructive sleep apnea, finding no evidence of their onset during service or relationship to a service-connected condition. The TDIU claim was also denied as the Veteran's combined rating did not meet the criteria.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and diabetes mellitus 2. The claims for reopening of service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disturbance, gastrointestinal symptoms, and pulmonary/respiratory symptoms due to Gulf War service and exposures therein are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not serve in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War, and therefore, his claims for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, residuals of a shrapnel wound of the right leg, and neurologic disability of the right lower extremity are denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection related to unexplained multi-symptom illnesses due to service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and flouroquinolone toxicity are remanded due to the need for medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for flouroquinolone toxicity is also remanded as VA treatment records prior to October 2003 and from May 2017 to present are needed, along with authorization for Dr. Nelson and Dr. Oppenheim’s records.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis C due to drug and alcohol dependency are remanded as VA medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions are required.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for drug and alcohol dependency is also remanded as a VA psychiatrist’s opinion on its secondary relationship to PTSD, low back disability, and flouroquinolone toxicity is needed.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 24, 2010, and in excess of 20 percent as of June 24, 2010, for a low back disability is remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient private treatment records and a need for a new VA examination. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is being reviewed, as well as his claims for depression and fibromyalgia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, low back disability, stress fractures in the legs and feet, and an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and major depressive disorder) due to outstanding evidence and additional development being required.