Gulf War illness / chronic multisymptom decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, including an undiagnosed illness manifested by shortness of breath. The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran had a current respiratory disability or that it was related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue, including both chronic fatigue syndrome and an undiagnosed illness manifested by fatigue, was denied. However, the Veteran's claim for service connection for hyperventilation syndrome was granted.

The appeal of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim for radiculopathy of the right upper extremity is dismissed.,The appeals of entitlement to service connection for skin condition, to include as due to Gulf War Syndrome, are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is denied, and the case is remanded for further development regarding his gastrointestinal condition.

The Board has granted service connection for an undiagnosed illness manifested by muscle aches. The issues of entitlement to higher ratings for skin conditions, fibromyalgia, and major depressive disorder are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disorders, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and chronic pain syndrome (claimed as Gulf War unexplained illness).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected headaches as due to an undiagnosed illness is being remanded. The Board notes that the effective date of this increased rating was August 8, 2016.,The Veteran's claims for TDIU and DEA prior to June 20, 2011 are also being remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including removal of tonsils, cholesterol condition, catherization of male organ, decreased vision in both eyes, right-elbow torn ligament status post-surgery, right-elbow scar with keloid, dental condition, left-ear drum disorder, perforation of the tympanic membrane, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, stomach condition with acid reflux (claimed as due to Gulf War), left ankle and right ankle degenerative arthritis, a disorder manifested by feeling tired with a lack of energy, vertigo, bilateral feet condition, right-heel bone spur, neck condition with limited mobility, sinus surgery with turbinate surgery, allergies, and breathing condition (claimed as due to smoke and fumes).

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are granted as secondary to service-connected ankle disabilities. The Veteran's muscle spasms disability is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and depression was reopened, but the claim remains denied as there is no credible supporting evidence that an in-service stressor occurred.