Gulf War illness / chronic multisymptom decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected undiagnosed illness that is most closely analogous to fibromyalgia is being remanded due to a discrepancy between the results of his September 2003 VA examination and his testimony at a RO hearing in September 2004.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a disability manifested by multiple joint pain, peripheral neuropathy, or colon disorder associated with service in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War. Service connection is denied for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of joint pain, chronic fatigue, and sleeplessness, all claimed as manifestations of an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not service-connected, but his irritable bowel syndrome and joint pain are considered presumptively related to Gulf War service.,Service connection for fatigue due to an undiagnosed illness is denied as there is no medical evidence of such a condition.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disorder and headache disorder in July 2002. The veteran submitted new evidence suggesting a possible link to the Gulf War environment, which could potentially reopen his claims.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that his undiagnosed illness, chronic eczema, and low back pain did not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations.

Service connection granted for upper back pain, low back pain, and painful hands due to an undiagnosed illness.,Service connection denied for residuals of a left foot sprain, right foot strain, fallen arches, and torticollis with cervical-dorsal myositis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Lyme disease, and obstructive airway disease/shortness of breath due to an undiagnosed illness. The left elbow scar was not found to be compensable under either old or new VA rating criteria. Hearing loss disability was also not established as a current condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral shoulder disorder, headaches, and urinary frequency. The evidence did not support a finding of chronic disabilities due to an undiagnosed illness or other basis.