Gulf War illness / chronic multisymptom decisions — 2002

The Board denied reopening of the claims for service connection for a back disorder and skin disorders as due to an undiagnosed illness, and also denied service connection for gastro-intestinal problems, flu-like symptoms (including ear, nose, and throat problems), hair loss, change of hair color, memory loss, fatigue, and insomnia. The veteran's claims were not supported by new and material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, hypertension, skin rash due to undiagnosed illness, and weight gain due to undiagnosed illness. The conditions were not shown to be related to service or the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has granted service connection for an undiagnosed illness (UI) manifested by fatigue, finding that the symptoms are nearly constant and meet the criteria for a compensably disabling condition under Diagnostic Code 6354. The appeal is based on the veteran's service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's recurrent nasal ulcer, acne, and hair loss due to undiagnosed illness during service in the Gulf War theater.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by fatigue is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the June 2001 VA examination and the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a comprehensive VA examination.