Fibromyalgia decisions — 2020

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for fibromyalgia, tinnitus, and bronchitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for migraines with a 40 percent rating, but no higher. Her scar left knee associated with tricompartmental chondromalacia status post meniscus surgery received a noncompensable rating. The Board also remanded several issues including the initial compensable rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, irritable colon syndrome, anxiety disorder, and sleep apnea. The matter of a compensable rating for dermatitis is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a circulation disorder and denied increased ratings for residuals of myofascial lumbar spasm, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The claim for an extraschedular rating for fibromyalgia was also denied.

The Board has found that further development is required before the Veteran's remaining claims are decided, including determining whether his August 21, 2010 motor vehicle accident occurred during a period of active service and scheduling VA examinations to address the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran is already compensated for insomnia as a symptom of his PTSD, and there was no evidence of an earlier effective date for fibromyalgia or left knee patellofemoral syndrome. Service connection for photophobia, TBI, IBS, sleep apnea, migraine headaches, and GERD were not established based on the provided medical opinions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, left and right hip bursitis, and plantar fasciitis. However, it has denied these claims as there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the current disabilities and service.

The Board has remanded three issues related to service connection for diverticulosis with Crohn's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. The Veteran is requested to provide additional information about her training as a flight nurse and undergo VA examinations for these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for fibromyalgia and asthma service connection, as well as her appeal for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for adjustment disorder with mild depressed mood and ongoing substance abuse. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia and/or myofascial pain syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and a respiratory disability (COPD). Service connection is now established for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than June 19, 2015 for service connection of Major Depressive Disorder, increased rating for Major Depressive Disorder, initial rating in excess of 10 percent for Fibromyalgia, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia was granted service connection, and the effective date is set at October 15, 2014. The claims for other conditions were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted the petitions to reopen claims for service connection for headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disorder, arthritis (joint pain), and fibromyalgia. However, these claims have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and active service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need to determine when fibromyalgia symptoms first began.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU beginning March 22, 2010. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis before March 22, 2010 remains in appellate status.

The petition to reopen the claims of entitlement to service connection for upper and lower spine conditions, including lumbar diskectomy residuals and thoracic degenerative changes, cervicalgia (claimed as neck condition), and fibromyalgia is granted. The appeal is granted to that extent only.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to herbicide agents, as the legal standard regarding in-service exposure has changed. The Veteran served aboard a ship that was in 'official waters' of Vietnam during parts of his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of clarification on whether the Veteran served in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War, which is relevant to her claim for service connection for fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is granted a 40 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, right hip arthritis with limitation to extension, right hip arthritis with limitation to abduction, right hip arthritis with limitation to flexion, right knee arthritis, left knee arthritis, and thoracic & lumbar spine spondylosis as part of her increased rating claims.