Fibromyalgia decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's request for vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits, including pursuit of a Juris Doctor (J.D.), is not supported by evidence in his file. The AOJ must ensure all relevant documents are obtained and associated with the claims file, obtain any outstanding VA treatment records, and contact the Veteran to gather additional information regarding his attempts at employment. A vocational rehabilitation evaluation should then be conducted to determine if the Veteran's proposed change of goal is feasible.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, as these issues are not within its jurisdiction due to finality of previous decisions.

The Veteran's claim for PTSD is reopened, but service connection remains denied. The Board has ordered additional development to verify the in-service stressor of abuse and beatings during basic training and AIT. Service connection for chronic pain and an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD are also remanded.

The Veteran's right hand condition, including the ring finger, fibromyalgia (claimed as chronic fatigue syndrome), migraine headaches, back disorder, folliculitis and acne, and obstructive sleep apnea are not service-connected.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for gynecological condition, chest pain, right leg pain, left leg disability, left foot disability, right foot disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, hypermobility syndrome, arthritis, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, personality disorder, thoracic and lumbar spine, right shin splints, left shin splints, cervical spine disability, CFS, right lower extremity radiculitis, left lower extremity radiculitis, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, dyspepsia, dizziness, left hamstring spasms, and right hamstring spasms. The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, an acquired psychiatric disorder (somatic symptom and depressive disorders), and IBS.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Veteran's asthma and emphysema/COPD claims are denied due to lack of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, left knee strain, and insomnia were denied. The Veteran was granted separate ratings for his left knee instability and cartilage disability, but the latter was later reduced to zero percent effective August 27, 2018. Initial ratings for insomnia were also granted.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is being remanded for a more contemporaneous examination to determine the current severity of her condition.

The Veteran's spouse requires regular aid and attendance due to multiple health conditions, including fibromyalgia, lumbosacral strain, cervicalgia, lower extremity radicular pain, right shoulder osteoarthritis, COPD, and anxiety disorder. The Board granted the claim for aid and attendance special monthly compensation (SMC) for care of the Veteran’s spouse.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia disability is rated at a maximum of 40 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The condition has been constant or nearly constant throughout the appeal period and has not responded to therapy.

The Board has granted service connection for Parkinson's disease but has remanded the claim for a disability manifested by pain of the upper and lower extremities, to include fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,Tinnitus has been granted service connection, with the Board finding that it is related to in-service acoustic trauma.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, IBS, and GERD due to environmental exposures during service in Southwest Asia (Gulf War). The VA examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service or due to exposure to chemical and environmental hazards.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective February 21, 2014 due to his service-connected fibromyalgia and depressive disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for fibromyalgia prior to December 13, 2010 is denied. The Board also remanded the issue of assigning separate ratings for obstructive sleep apnea and asthma.

The Board previously denied the claim for service connection for fibromyalgia. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) has ordered the case back to the Board due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding secondary service connection.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is found to have been onset during active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to scheduling issues and a need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for menstrual disorder, as related to service in the Persian Gulf War. Service connection was granted for fibromyalgia and a hysterectomy is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus was granted. Claims for fibromyalgia, CFS, respiratory disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, skin disorder, lumbosacral strain, and TBI were denied or remanded.