Gulf War illness / chronic multisymptom Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, postmenopausal uterine bleeding (Menstrual problems), and pulmonary embolism have been denied. The appeals are based on the presumption of soundness at entry into service or due to an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness, but no such evidence has been provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosed condition or link to service. The claim for memory loss is also denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of all claims.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The Board remanded the issues of service connection for a gastrointestinal condition and joint pain, claimed as due to Gulf War syndrome.

The Veteran's chest pains due to undiagnosed illness are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a more severe disability.,The Veteran's low back pain with mild disc bulge L4-5 and cervical spine disabilities have been remanded due to inadequate examination findings regarding range of motion, ankylosis, and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).

The Board granted a higher initial disability rating of 50 percent for the service-connected headache disability from September 15, 2007, finding that it more nearly approximated very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder is granted as it is presumed due to an undiagnosed illness or a medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness.,Service connection for the thyroid disorder is denied because there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's skin condition is denied as it cannot be service-connected based on an undiagnosed or unexplained multi-symptom illness theory of entitlement.,Service connection for a chronic multi-symptom Gulf War illness, manifested by chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic joint pain, is granted.,Service connection for a chronic multi-symptom Gulf War illness, manifested by chronic joint pain, is granted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood and insomnia disorder, is granted.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome has been granted an increased initial rating of 30 percent.,Service connection for undiagnosed illness manifested by chronic dermatitis, sleep disorder, heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disorder have all been granted due to service in the Persian Gulf.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and fibromyalgia appeals were withdrawn.,A tumor of the right pelvic bone, blurred vision, neuropathy (including as secondary to a tumor of the right pelvic bone), and vertigo issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of all pending claims and appeals.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues related to his son D.M. due to the Veteran's withdrawal of appeal.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for Internal Hemorrhoids and a Respiratory Condition, including as due to Gulf War environmental hazard/undiagnosed illness. The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for a Respiratory Condition related to IBS and GERD remains on appeal.

The Veteran's fingernail discoloration is granted as service-connected.,Service connection for an undiagnosed illness, manifested by symptoms of sleep disturbance, weight loss, and fatigue (originally claimed as sleep apnea), is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence received since the last decision, and the Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability other than chronic fatigue syndrome manifested as sleep disorder is being reconsidered.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and lack of clear indication whether the Veteran's fatigue is related to an undiagnosed illness or a known clinical diagnosis. The examiner needs to provide a rationale for their opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Veteran's skin condition and low back pain are being remanded for further development as the VA examinations provided were inadequate.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, gastrointestinal disability, left hip disability, and right hip disability have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability in any of these conditions.

The Veteran's back disability is not service-connected as it was not shown in service or within the applicable presumptive period, and there is no credible evidence of continuity of symptomatology. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that his current back condition is related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's fatigue symptoms are attributed to other service-connected disabilities (fibromyalgia) and non-service-connected conditions (sleep apnea, PTSD, insomnia). The Board finds that there is no objective indication of a qualifying chronic disability manifested by fatigue due to an undiagnosed illness or MUCMI.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient discussion of the Veteran's reports and whether his symptoms warrant service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and a left knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.