Gulf War illness / chronic multisymptom decisions — 2013

The Veteran's hip pain, hypertension, heart disorder, and sleep disorder were not found to be service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for various conditions, including PTSD, high triglycerides and cholesterol, chronic obesity, poor blood circulation, dry mouth, Gulf War Syndrome, polyps, gastrointestinal disorder, eye disability, respiratory disorder, heart disease, skin cancer, varicose veins, sleep apnea, and traumatic brain injury. The reasons were provided based on the lack of evidence supporting these claims.

The Board has established service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by sleep disturbance, fatigue, and generalized muscle and joint aches. The effective date of the grant of service connection for IBS is October 31, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for various conditions, a rating for irritable bowel syndrome, and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary examinations and development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic muscle aches and cramps (to include as due to an undiagnosed illness) and sleep apnea were denied. The Board found that the claimed conditions did not have their onset during any of his periods of active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and bilateral leg numbness are service-connected, with the cervical spine disorder not being service-connected.

The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for low back strain since June 8, 2010. The Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep disability and increased evaluations for left ankle sprain were also granted.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a disability manifested by chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is denied as there is no evidence that she has CFS or an undiagnosed illness due to fatigue. Her symptoms are attributed to her service-connected PTSD and fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, specifically his headaches, rendered him unemployable and he is granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a disability manifested by unexplained behavior, claimed as Gulf War syndrome, and left ankle disability have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran is already service connected for bipolar disorder, which includes symptoms of inappropriate behavior. For the left ankle disability claim, there was no evidence of current disability or in-service injury.

The Board denied service connection for undiagnosed illnesses manifested by chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic pain syndrome, as well as an increased rating for GERD with dysphagia. The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical evidence and provide the Veteran with an opportunity for a VA examination. The case will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for voiding dysfunction, as a residual of adenocarcinoma of the prostate, is denied. The RO has granted a 40 percent rating for this disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as her claimed conditions are not related to her military service, including Gulf War exposure.

The Veteran's joint and muscle pain involving the right shoulder, cervical spine, knees, ankles, and hips is rated at 40 percent since September 5, 2012. The gastrointestinal disorder with complaints of body temperature changes and undifferentiated somatoform disorder and anxiety disorder are each rated at 30 percent since July 26, 2001.

The Veteran's warts are not service-connected as they are a known clinical diagnosis and there is no evidence of their onset during active duty.,The Veteran's residuals of recurrent giardia are also a known clinical diagnosis, with no indication that the condition began during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is currently rated at 40 percent, effective January 5, 2012. The claim for an earlier effective date was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the color vision deficit was not incurred in or aggravated by service and that there is no evidence of chronic residuals from exposure to environmental hazards of the Gulf War.

The Veteran's constant fatigue is not related to service or a service-connected disability, nor is it an undiagnosed illness related to his service in the Persian Gulf. The Board finds that the requirements for establishing service connection have not been met.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for hearing loss, left thigh disorder, chest pain, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and right foot disorder. However, service connection is granted for PTSD.