Fibromyalgia decisions — 2018

The Veteran's fibromyalgia has been rated at 40 percent since the date of service connection, effective May 15, 2018. The appeal for a TDIU was dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, insomnia (as secondary to service-connected fibromyalgia), sleep apnea (as secondary to service-connected disease or injury), and headaches (as secondary to service-connected disease or injury) have been granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate due to insufficient evidence showing she is in need of regular aid and assistance, or substantially confined to her home.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, and a respiratory disorder (claimed as asbestosis) is partially granted. The claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic headaches, sleep apnea, and psychiatric disorders are all remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran's chronic fatigue is related to her military service, including service in Southwest Asia. The appeal will be reconsidered after this development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for fibromyalgia as there was no new and material evidence to reopen the case, and the condition is attributed to other causes such as chronic pain control.

The Board dismissed the appeals of whether VA has received new and material evidence to reopen a claim for service connection for a low back disorder, entitlement to service connection for fibromyalgia, and entitlement to service connection for depression. The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating greater than 30 percent for PTSD was also dismissed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, but the issues of service connection for joint pain (fibromyalgia), recurrent skin disorder, and anxiety and depression are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness or a medically unexplained multisymptom illness is denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted effective February 6, 2012.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to make a fully-informed decision on the service connection claims for various conditions, including bilateral shoulder disorder, right hip disorder, fibromyalgia, and others. The Veteran's medical history will be reviewed, and further examinations may be conducted.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of April 13, 2009 for the award of service connection and compensation for fibromyalgia. The Veteran's claim for TDIU is also granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination.

The Veteran's initial rating for fibromyalgia has been denied as a retroactive increase is not allowed due to the severance of service connection.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms are severe and already reflect in the current rating.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia was granted a rating of 40 percent effective May 8, 2014. For the period prior to that date, his condition was rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded several issues, including service connection for fibromyalgia and depression, as well as increased ratings for thoracolumbar strain and sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The Veteran is also being asked to provide additional information regarding his TDIU claim.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's fibromyalgia is related to her military service.

The Veteran's claim for fibromyalgia was denied, and the effective date of service connection is denied as it cannot be earlier than June 22, 2010.

The Board denied service connection for muscle weakness, fibromyalgia, low back disability, joint problems (knees and ankles), inability to walk, and neck disability as there is no current evidence of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, sleep apnea, and GERD. Effective December 30, 2011, the Veteran was awarded service connection for fibromyalgia, asthma, and cold induced urticaria with a noncompensable rating.