Gulf War illness / chronic multisymptom decisions — 2018

The Veteran's undiagnosed illness characterized as fibromyalgia is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5025. No separate ratings are warranted for irritable bowel syndrome or headaches.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness, thyroid disorder, and GERD due to service in Southwest Asia. The Veteran's claim for these conditions is not supported by evidence that they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for numbness in the left leg is granted, but not for his fatigue or TDIU. The case is remanded for additional development regarding service connection for fatigue and TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for dysfunctional uterine bleeding and remanded the issues of postoperative residuals of breast reduction surgery and an undiagnosed illness. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include loss of use of a creative organ.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective October 13, 2017. The claims for service connection of other disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal of prostate cancer is dismissed. The Board has remanded the issues regarding loss of sense of balance and falling, respiratory disability, bowel dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus, type II for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues related to service connection and increased ratings, leaving no unresolved questions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected irritable bowel syndrome with acid reflux and undiagnosed illness due to Gulf War exposure are being remanded as the Board notes insufficient contemporaneous information to evaluate these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his hip and knee disabilities, Gulf War illness, and psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development and examination to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities, including fibromyalgia, lipomas, bilateral hand tremors, and an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has found that the Veteran's prostate condition and keloids are not related to his military service, but other conditions such as sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, cardiovascular signs and symptoms, acquired left eye condition, and fatigue remain under consideration due to their potential connection with service.

The previously-denied claims for lower back disability and bilateral eye disorder are reopened, but the other claims remain pending.,The Veteran's current eye disorder is related to her in-service exposure to blowing sand and use of Visine. A VA examination is needed to determine if it is due to Persian Gulf War service.,VA will obtain a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran has bilateral knee disabilities, including a history of an acute injury during service.,A VA examination is required to assess whether the Veteran's current joint pain is related to her Persian Gulf War service. A medical opinion should be obtained regarding this issue.,The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if she has any objective manifestations of cold injuries from service, and a medical opinion should be provided on this matter.,A VA examination is needed to assess whether the Veteran has a current gynecological disorder related to her in-service treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. A medical opinion should be obtained regarding this issue.,The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if she currently suffers from chronic headaches that are related to service, including an in-service head injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition.,The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for service-connected tinnitus is denied as the maximum schedular evaluation has been assigned.

Service connection is granted for left arm, left leg, right arm, and right leg pain due to undiagnosed illness.,Service connection is denied for a disorder manifested by high cholesterol and resulting in gallbladder disease.

The Veteran's application to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for left knee DJD is granted. The Board finds new and material evidence has been received sufficient to reopen the claim, but remands it for further development including obtaining an opinion on whether his left knee DJD is related to his active service or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a Gulf War illness, left arm neurological condition, initial compensable ratings for left and right knee strains, and initial compensable rating for dermatitis due to additional evidence submitted by VA. The AOJ is instructed to provide supplemental statements of the case as necessary.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue and fatigue as due to an undiagnosed illness, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or causal relationship to service.

Service connection is granted for irritable bowel syndrome. The issues of service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleeplessness (undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained multisymptom illness), depression, and jaw disorder are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for pancreatic cancer and remanded the issue of service connection for a disability manifested by chronic fatigue, headaches, and joint pain (undiagnosed Gulf War illness).

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of residuals of a right knee injury and fatigue due to an undiagnosed illness.