Fibromyalgia decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, cytosis, and spinal stenosis have been denied. The claim to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease has also been denied.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine and tension headaches. The Veteran's PTSD claim was not addressed as it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for irregular menstrual periods, respiratory disorder, low back disability, fibromyalgia, skin disability (manifested by fractured teeth), and temporomandibular joint articulation disorder. The Veteran's low back disability is related to her period of active service. Fibromyalgia is also related to her period of active service. A skin disability did not have its clinical onset in service or during any applicable presumptive period, but it is otherwise related to active service. Service connection for PTSD has been granted with an initial 50 percent rating from June 30, 2009, to October 8, 2013.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating for fibromyalgia from 40% to 20% effective November 1, 2013 was not proper.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. Service connection for chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disorder, IBS, and low back disorder are granted on a presumptive basis due to Gulf War exposure. Other service connection claims remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a central skeletal system condition, including fibromyalgia or conditions of the shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, or feet, has been denied as there is no current diagnosis and no evidence of an undiagnosed illness. The Veteran is also not entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period prior to June 21, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's disability rating for fibromyalgia was restored from 10% to 40%, effective April 1, 2012.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and sleep apnea are found to be caused by his service-connected PTSD.,Bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy is found to be related to the Veteran's diabetes, which developed after his service-connected PTSD.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of fibromyalgia and thus, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension, fibromyalgia, bilateral knee disability, hip disability, or bilateral arm disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted as of December 23, 2009. The Board also dismissed all other claims due to the Veteran's withdrawal during his February 2018 hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. The evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion regarding her right shoulder rotator cuff condition, low back condition, right knee condition, and fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's PTSD, along with other service-connected disabilities, renders him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, GERD, hematuria, fibromyalgia, ulcer, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, left shoulder disability, nerve damage to the left hand, arms, and feet, and right hand disability have been denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors and no link between current conditions and service.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia disability was rated at 20% prior to December 6, 2012. Effective December 6, 2012, the Veteran is entitled to a 40% rating for his fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and providing a medical opinion on the etiology of his claimed Persian Gulf disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and an addendum opinion from the February 2018 VA examiner. The AOJ must also adjudicate his claim seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include as secondary to service-connected disability.