Gulf War illness / chronic multisymptom decisions — 2008

The veteran's appeal includes claims for increased evaluation, service connection, and new and material evidence. The Board has reopened the claim of heat cramps due to undiagnosed illness but denied all other issues.

The veteran's initial and subsequent ratings for his respiratory disorder and joint pain of elbows, ankles, and hips have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic bilateral knee disability, and denied service connection for multiple chemical sensitivity, gastrointestinal disorder, chest pain and shortness of breath, and sinus disability. The veteran's complaints were not linked to his service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for his claimed back disorder, renal carcinoma (kidney disorder), or Gulf War Syndrome. The evidence does not support service connection for any of these conditions.,There is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current kidney disorder to active service.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness, and denied service connection for multiple joint problems/pain, cervical spine pain, and lumbar spine pain.

The veteran's depressive disorder is service-connected as a result of his active duty service in the Southwest Asia theater. His respiratory and sleep disturbance diagnoses are not related to service, but rather to his depression. The lipoma noted during his second period of service was present prior to his return to active duty.

The veteran's claims for service connection for memory loss, painful joints, and shortness of breath were denied as these conditions are not shown to be related to his military service. The veteran's child's birth defects were also found not to meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current low back disorder or fibrosis/respiratory disorder, and there is no evidence of such disorders during service. The veteran's claimed bilateral foot disorder, PTSD, chronic joint pain, and extreme body and joint pain upon exposure to sunlight or heat are also denied as there is insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge due to due process deficiencies and the appellant's request.

The veteran's claimed conditions were not found to be service-connected due to lack of evidence linking them to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the need for VCAA notice and scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The veteran's claims for left ventricular hypertrophy, low back disorder, skin disorder, and loss of memory have been denied. The claim for service connection for a low back disorder has been reopened but remains denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for fatigue, diarrhea, fever and chills, and night sweats as undiagnosed illnesses. Service connection for generalized anxiety disorder was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches, due to an undiagnosed illness, warrant a 50 percent evaluation based on very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks that are productive of severe economic inadaptability. The veteran's claims for higher ratings have been granted.