Fibromyalgia decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for SMC due to a need for regular aid and attendance was denied as he does not require personal assistance from others to perform daily activities due to his service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's claim for right ear hearing loss has been dismissed as the Regional Office granted it.,Left ear hearing loss is denied due to lack of current disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia and a right shoulder disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue secondary to a service-connected disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his chronic fatigue.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is now granted, making the issue moot and dismissed. The case is remanded to provide a VA examination to determine if fibromyalgia is related to the service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased evaluations have been withdrawn by her authorized representative.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations, and the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.655(b) apply.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and fibromyalgia. The current opinions provided by VA examiners were deemed inadequate due to lack of rationale, inaccurate factual premises, and failure to address secondary service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disability and fibromyalgia, but has found that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain and right foot bone spur. Service connection is remanded for fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's tinnitus and low back condition are granted service connection.,Service connection is also granted for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hypertension, testicle condition, sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) due to exposure to environmental hazards during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left ankle disorder has been reopened. The initial rating for PTSD was increased to 50% prior to January 27, 2023, and denied thereafter. A rating in excess of 10% is denied for the right wrist carpal navicular fracture. Service connection claims for OSA, CFS, and fibromyalgia are remanded.

The Veteran's right hip disorder, genitourinary disorder other than erectile dysfunction (epididymo-orchitis), nasal disorder, and several musculoskeletal conditions are remanded for further development.,Service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions is being remanded due to insufficient evidence linking them to service exposure or service-connected disabilities. Further examination and opinion may be necessary under recent changes in law related to toxic exposure claims.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia was diagnosed immediately prior to her separation from active military service, and she filed a claim for disability benefits in the same month. The Board found that service connection is established due to the direct correlation between the in-service diagnosis and the current diagnosis.

The Veteran's back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been addressed, but the claim for fibromyalgia remains pending.,The Board has found that a higher rating of 40 percent is warranted for the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy as of November 17, 2022.

The Board has granted service connection for Goodpasture syndrome, fatigue disorder, fibromyalgia, chronic skin rashes, and depressive disorder due to exposure in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD due to military sexual trauma and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD are remanded as the VA examinations did not consider his in-service misconduct.,The Veteran's claim for TBI residuals is remanded as there was no determination of whether he had an in-service TBI, and tinnitus, headaches, and fatigue may be related to this condition.,The Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, left foot disorder, and right foot disorder are remanded as the VA examinations did not consider his reported in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development due to the need for additional medical opinions and treatment records, particularly regarding service connection claims related to exposure to lead paint in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for further medical examinations.,The Veteran is also seeking a TDIU and SMC based on aid and attendance.