Fibromyalgia decisions — 2019

The Veteran's son, K.R., was found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to his 18th birthday due to various disabilities and is recognized as a helpless child for VA benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions regarding his breathing disorder, acid reflux, joint pain, high blood pressure, and GI disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's applications to reopen her claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left and right hips, and a TDIU. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain syndrome with muscle spasms, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are granted. Her combined rating is at least as high as required for a TDIU.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent effective December 13, 2007. The other issues remain remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome based on the evidence showing continuity of symptoms since active service.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder due to military sexual trauma, but denied service connection for fibromyalgia and sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for fibromyalgia, diverticulitis, urinary incontinence, and radiculopathy of both lower extremities due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran. The claims are being reviewed again as they may be related to her military service.

The Veteran's hypertension rating is dismissed. The lower back disability rating is restored to 40 percent, effective June 17, 2016. Other ratings are denied.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities. The claim for increased ratings for lumbar spine and right knee disabilities are denied, but the Veteran is granted a separate rating of 10% for instability of the right knee.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome, exceed the threshold for 'good health' as defined by VA standards. Therefore, his application for S-DVI is denied.

The Veteran's left and right wrist symptoms are attributed to his service-connected fibromyalgia. The Board finds that the weight of evidence is against the Veteran’s claim for a separate diagnosis of a left and right wrist disorder other than fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted, rendering the appeal moot.,The Veteran withdrew his appeals on multiple other issues.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), migraine headaches, diverticulitis with surgical scar and hemicolectomy, hypertension secondary to diverticulitis, and depression secondary to diverticulitis have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of permanent and total disability with loss or use of one lower extremity.

The Board has remanded the cases of fibromyalgia and bruxism for further development, as VA examinations are needed to determine their etiology. The case of PTSD remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and need for additional medical opinion regarding the relationship between fibromyalgia and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for TMJ, GERD, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and left knee tendonitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current diagnoses or causation due to service.,Service connection for TMJ was granted with a 10% rating effective from October 20, 2014 until January 12, 2016 and a 50% rating effective from January 12, 2016. Service connection for left knee tendonitis was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, a low back condition secondary to shrapnel wounds incurred in service, and a gastrointestinal disorder secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.,The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The claim for a low back disability was denied as the evidence did not establish a causal relationship between the Veteran's current symptoms and an in-service shrapnel wound. The claim for a gastrointestinal disorder was also denied, with the Board noting that the Veteran had never been treated for this condition.,The Board concluded that there was no positive nexus between any of these conditions and service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, hiatal hernia, and seizure disorder have been granted. The Veteran's fibromyalgia, chronic URIs, OSA, and diabetes mellitus are remanded for further examination.