Fibromyalgia Board decisions

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including fibromyalgia and various hip, ankle, groin, eye, heart, and other conditions. The VA is required to obtain medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and are granted. Service connection is established for irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and fibromyalgia and joint pain.

The Veteran's service connection claim for restless leg syndrome is granted. The claims for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for acquired psychiatric disorder, cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism post right hemithyroidectomy are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at a maximum of 20 percent from June 1, 2018 to April 9, 2018 and at a maximum of 50 percent from April 10, 2018 to September 17, 2019. The Veteran's fibromyalgia is rated at the maximum schedular rating.,The Veteran’s TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's VA treatment records and his VR&E files, as these documents are relevant to the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's dry eye syndrome is granted with a 20 percent rating, and the maximum schedular evaluation for tinnitus is denied. Other claims are either denied or remanded.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia, bilateral shoulder disorder, low back disorder, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type II. The Veteran did not have these conditions during service or within a presumptive period.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The VA will provide a comprehensive examination to determine if these conditions are related to service or secondary to his service-connected psoriasis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee pain and left and right knee pain have been reopened. The claim for increased rating for fibromyalgia has been granted, with a maximum of 40 percent assigned. The claim for increased rating for lumbar spine disability has also been granted, with a maximum of 40 percent assigned. The claims for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculitis have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, right hip synovitis, meralgia paresthetica of the lower extremities, degenerative arthritis with spondylosis of the lumbar spine, and chronic headaches have been granted. The claim for service connection for hearing loss has been denied. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, alcohol use disorder, and major depression have been denied.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess its current severity. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to an inferred claim based on the Veteran's testimony.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and a respiratory condition as secondary to an undiagnosed illness. The Veteran's representative is urged to assist in obtaining private medical records from his pain management providers.

The Board has denied all service connection claims for various conditions, including nerve damage, tinnitus, bipolar disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, right knee disability, carpal tunnel syndrome, gastritis, bilateral hearing loss, and fibromyalgia. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for fibromyalgia, joint pain, and lack of a sex drive due to insufficient opinions in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is granted a 40 percent rating effective April 26, 2010.,Service connection for fibromyalgia is also granted with an effective date of August 20, 2003.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back, right knee, left knee, right foot, left foot, neurological disorders (fibromyalgia and toxic encephalopathy), CFS, heart disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, left ear hearing loss, and right ear hearing loss. The appeals are now pending with the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left leg disability and sleep apnea. The claims for fibromyalgia remain denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection and increased rating for fibromyalgia due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's adult daughter is granted accrued benefits for the expense of her last illness, as she paid $92,604.00 in expenses related to the Veteran's care and burial.