Gulf War illness / chronic multisymptom decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a disability for which service connection is sought. As such, no service connection is granted.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent disabling since May 7, 2015. Prior to that date, he was granted an initial 70 percent rating for his PTSD.,The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU due to service-connected PTSD, effective from May 7, 2015.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at the highest possible schedular rating (50%) and do not warrant an extra-schedular evaluation.,The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the thoracic and lumbar spine does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher than 20 percent disability rating under any applicable diagnostic code.,The Veteran's left lower extremity neurological impairment due to disc prolapse at L5-S1 does not warrant a higher than 20 percent disability rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's memory impairment due to undiagnosed illness does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher than 10 percent disability rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has decided to grant service connection for memory loss, as it was reopened based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran's son and daughter.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for SMC for aid and attendance due to his service-connected PTSD. The appeal was withdrawn as to the issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for arthralgia, and entitlement to service connection for multiple sclerosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Gulf War Syndrome and Lung Disorder were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all, but rather a reduction in rating of the right knee disability.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia has been granted service connection as a qualifying chronic disability due to an undiagnosed illness under the provisions for Persian Gulf veterans. The claim for an undiagnosed illness is pending and will be addressed in the remand portion of this decision.

The Veteran's service connection for chronic sinusitis and asthma, also claimed as respiratory problems (fatigue), was granted. Service connection for urticaria due to undiagnosed illness is also established.,Effective November 1, 2011, the combined disability rating for chronic sinusitis and asthma was severed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, including manifestations of an undiagnosed illness or a qualifying chronic disease as due to Persian Gulf War service, is denied. The Board found no diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome and noted that the symptoms were attributed to PTSD and fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a heart disability was withdrawn by the Veteran.,Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been granted. The remaining claims of service connection for various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for an addendum VA opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed Gulf War undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multi symptom illness, as well as other symptoms.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection, but his bilateral hearing loss and heart disorder are denied. The appeal for an undiagnosed illness was not addressed as it pertained to a different issue.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent since May 15, 2009. The Veteran has not met the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for upper and lower respiratory disability, fibromyalgia, and undiagnosed illness (chronic fatigue syndrome) as they were not found to be related to active duty service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep disturbances, claimed as sleep apnea, is granted as the condition is due to an undiagnosed illness related to his Gulf War service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Gulf War Syndrome has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no verified PTSD stressor, and the current conditions are not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's left shoulder subacromial bursitis with left medial scapular and upper trapezius myofascial ligamentous strain was rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The duodenal ulcer was rated at 20 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral ankle sprains. However, the claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder and bilateral hip disorder have been denied as they are not related to service or an undiagnosed illness.