Fibromyalgia decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for left knee disability, fibromyalgia, and liver disease are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of her conditions based on new evidence.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development and review.,The Veteran's sleep apnea claim is being reviewed to determine if it is secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disability (Chronic Adjustment Disorder).,The matter of whether the Veteran's Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (manifesting as memory loss) is secondary to his newly service-connected psychiatric disability will be submitted for review.,The Board has remanded several claims related to sleep apnea and its relationship to the Veteran's service-connected inguinal hernia and surgical scar.,Several skin disorder claims are being reviewed, including whether they are secondary to exposure to herbicide agents or other chemicals.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is being reviewed for secondary service connection based on his service-connected inguinal hernia and/or exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus claim is also being reviewed for secondary service connection based on his service-connected inguinal hernia and/or exposure to herbicide agents.,Several other claims are being remanded, including those related to sleep apnea, memory loss, skin disorders, heart disorder, sinus disorder, left shoulder disorder, gout, knee disorder, leg disorder, visual disorder, prostate disorder, foot disorder, and thyroid disorder.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being reviewed.

The Veteran's IBS, GERD, and headache disabilities are not found to be secondary to her service-connected Hepatitis C or polyarthritis.,Fibromyalgia is diagnosed but the relationship to service-connected conditions remains unclear.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development due to the possibility of relevant SSA records not being associated with the case file.

The Veteran's appeals for fibromyalgia, lupus, an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for major depressive disorder (MDD), and entitlement to an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for MDD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of these appeals.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, lupus, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and peripheral neuropathy as a result of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia has worsened, and he should be given a new VA examination to determine its current severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals for service connection on a secondary basis have been remanded due to insufficient rationale in previous VA opinions and new evidence of increased symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of various conditions have been withdrawn and are dismissed.,New evidence has reopened claims for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, congestive heart failure, erectile dysfunction, and kidney disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for bladder disability due to withdrawal. The claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, hypertension, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, cervical spine disability, obstructive sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory condition, and GERD are all REMANDED due to new evidence received.

The Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis and left knee degenerative arthritis have been granted service connection. The case of recurrent multi joint and muscle disability (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome) is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her so helpless as to need the regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted.

The Board has granted a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis effective January 14, 2013 for the Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches and other disabilities. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran was unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's back disorder, including lumbar disc disease, is not service-connected as there was no chronic condition during or immediately after service.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis and the absence of evidence linking it to service.,Eye injury residuals, including dry eye, are not service-connected as there is insufficient evidence of continuity of symptoms post-service.,Residuals of pharyngitis or strep throat are also not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia due to insufficient medical evidence in the November 2016 VA examinations. The Veteran is considered a Persian Gulf War veteran, and presumptive service connection may apply if he exhibits objective indications of qualifying chronic disabilities during his service in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied due to his failure to attend a scheduled VA examination without good cause.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied as there is insufficient information regarding his employment history and earnings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, authorization of non-VA treatment records, and a more contemporaneous examination for his fibromyalgia.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right shoulder disorder and fibromyalgia.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's reports of fatigue and trouble sleeping, as well as whether these complaints are related to service or any other conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.