Fibromyalgia Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her low back disability is denied. The Board found that the objective medical findings did not support a higher rating, despite the Veteran's reported symptoms and functional limitations. Her claim for TDIU was granted as she met the schedular requirements and had service-connected disabilities rated at least 60% combined.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia and a rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of left knee flexion prior to February 20, 2018. The Veteran's fibromyalgia was not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right forearm fracture, left foot spurs, bilateral hearing loss, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and breathing problems (bronchitis), have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is rated at 40 percent, and she is granted a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities. The decision also notes that the Veteran's symptoms are not refractory to therapy.

Service connection for fibromyalgia, IBS, and heart disease has been granted.,Service connection for a left leg disorder, right leg disorder, arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, and arthritis of the cervical spine have been denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for fibromyalgia and hypertension due to insufficient examination findings. The Veteran's medical records indicate diagnoses of these conditions, but further evaluation is needed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, joint pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome were denied as there is no medical evidence supporting these conditions as being related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic pain disorder, claimed as fibromyalgia and/or lupus, is denied. The Board found that her abdominal adhesions with spastic colon warrant a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board found that there is no evidence of fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or a disability manifested by dizziness and tingling in the extremities due to service. The Veteran's symptoms are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been determined to be permanently disabling, allowing for eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits since March 3, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder has rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since June 1, 2008. Effective June 1, 2008, the Veteran also had additional disabilities totaling over 60 percent disabling, qualifying for SMC at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia is rated at the highest available schedular evaluation, and no higher rating can be granted based on functional loss. The claims for increased ratings for asthma and service connection for sleep apnea, a neck disorder, left hand disability (held in abeyance), and a left shoulder disorder are remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted an initial 20% rating for the Veteran's cervical spine disability effective June 25, 2013. The claims of service connection for fibromyalgia and sinusitis are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression rendered her unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and she is considered disabled by the Social Security Administration due to her service-connected psychiatric disabilities. TDIU and DEA are granted from August 25, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, cytosis, and spinal stenosis have been denied. The claim to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease has also been denied.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine and tension headaches. The Veteran's PTSD claim was not addressed as it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for irregular menstrual periods, respiratory disorder, low back disability, fibromyalgia, skin disability (manifested by fractured teeth), and temporomandibular joint articulation disorder. The Veteran's low back disability is related to her period of active service. Fibromyalgia is also related to her period of active service. A skin disability did not have its clinical onset in service or during any applicable presumptive period, but it is otherwise related to active service. Service connection for PTSD has been granted with an initial 50 percent rating from June 30, 2009, to October 8, 2013.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating for fibromyalgia from 40% to 20% effective November 1, 2013 was not proper.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. Service connection for chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disorder, IBS, and low back disorder are granted on a presumptive basis due to Gulf War exposure. Other service connection claims remain pending.