Fibromyalgia decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for cervical degenerative disk disease is denied as the disability did not manifest during service and is unrelated to service.,Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied because there is no current diagnosis of CFS at any time during the appeal period.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is remanded due to lack of a current diagnosis. The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also remanded as it involves complex medical issues and requires further examination and opinion.

The Board granted service connection for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected undifferentiated connective tissue disorder, resulting in a combined disability rating of 60%.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was reopened and granted. The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is now rated at 30 percent, effective July 24, 2012. Service connection for PTSD remains denied, but an earlier effective date of July 24, 2012 has been granted.,The Veteran's IBS was found to be severe and manifested by diarrhea with more or less constant abdominal distress. The earlier effective dates for both irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and PTSD have been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, left knee strain, right knee strain, left ankle strain, and right ankle strain due to lack of adequate medical evidence in the record. The Veteran is required to undergo a new VA examination to determine if he meets the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia and whether his bilateral knee and ankle disabilities are related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were denied. The effective dates for these conditions remain unchanged.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims of service connection for various conditions, including dysmenorrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, bilateral ankle disability, carpal tunnel syndrome, left knee strain, right knee strain, restless legs syndrome, HPV, infertility, gallbladder surgery, tremors and spasms to face and hands, itching, pain, and scars, and VA medical treatment.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and TDIU have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for PTSD has been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for fibromyalgia due to insufficient medical opinions and failure to address certain factors. The Veteran's fibromyalgia may be related to his military service, but further examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the cases of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for CFS, and entitlement to service connection for shortness of breath. The Veteran's appeal is being held due to incomplete information and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of a permanent and total nature, and the Board has dismissed his claims for increased ratings as he withdrew them at his hearing.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches, but denied claims for acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and Somatic Symptom Disorder) and fibromyalgia.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, low back condition, bilateral hip condition, and fibromyalgia as the appellant did not have an injury during INACDUTRA that caused these conditions.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia and arthritis have been granted service connection, with an initial rating of 20% for costochondritis.