Gulf War illness / chronic multisymptom Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal of the issues of entitlement to service connection for low back disorder, muscle twitching due to undiagnosed illness (UI), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) due to undiagnosed illness (UI), headaches due to undiagnosed illness (UI), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is remanded.,The AOJ will arrange for an appropriate examiner to determine whether the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, muscle twitching due to undiagnosed illness (UI), CFS due to undiagnosed illness (UI), headaches due to undiagnosed illness (UI), and OSA are related to active service or a UI.

The Board has found that the necessary development was not completed and is therefore remanding the case for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for widespread muscle pain due to an undiagnosed illness is granted. The Veteran's Raynaud's Syndrome of the left hand is rated at 10 percent, but no higher.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted in part. Service connection has been established for left shoulder condition, cervical spine condition (claimed as cervical spondylosis and stenosis), lumbar spinal stenosis, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, peripheral vestibular disorder, dizziness, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, headache condition, left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome, and service connection has been reopened for alcoholism and drug abuse. Other claims have been denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional VA examination and opinions regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection for an undiagnosed illness resulting in fatigue, headaches, and joint pain due to Gulf War hazards.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic joint pain due to an undiagnosed illness is being remanded as the VA needs to conduct a VA examination to determine if there is a relationship between his joint pain and his military service.

The Veteran's low back disorder, diagnosed as lumbosacral strain, is related to his military service.,Resolving all doubt in the Veteran’s favor, his sleep apnea began in service.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was granted service connection as it began during active service.,Regarding left ankle achilles tendonitis, the Board remanded for additional evidence and a new examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a Gulf War examination to evaluate the Veteran's sleep disturbances and determine if they are related to service, including possible undiagnosed illness or chronic multi-symptom illness.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is denied as it did not manifest to a compensable degree within one year of separation from service and the weight of evidence does not support a finding that it is related to in-service acoustic trauma.,The Veteran's left shoulder labral tear is denied as there is no credible medical evidence or opinions linking the condition to active service. The examiner opined that the injury was more likely than not a recent injury, not caused many years prior by active service.,The Veteran's right shoulder labral tear is denied for similar reasons: lack of in-service injury and insufficient medical evidence connecting it to active service.,The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at 10 percent as the highest schedular rating available. The Board found that referral for extraschedular consideration was not warranted due to no marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.,The Veteran's gastro-intestinal undiagnosed illness is currently rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 7319, which is the highest schedular rating available. The Board found that referral for extraschedular consideration was not warranted due to no marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's respiratory symptoms, specifically rhinorrhea. Additional development is needed to address these issues.

The Veteran's service connection claims for lung lesions, with chronic cough and brain lesions have been granted.,Service connection has also been granted for the Veteran’s undiagnosed illness manifested by skin disorder and headaches. However, these issues are being remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been granted service connection with an effective date of March 21, 1996. The Board also found that the Veteran has other disabilities for which he is already receiving service connection.,Service connection was established for sleep apnea and major depressive disorder.

Service connection for an undiagnosed illness is granted as of March 31, 2010.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded for further development. The claims of service connection for diarrhea, forgetfulness, sleep problems and fatigue are also remanded.

The Veteran's diffuse aquagenic pruritus and sarcoidosis have been granted service connection. The bilateral shoulder, right knee, and uveitis conditions are denied as not related to active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, also claimed as migraines and PTSD. The Veteran was remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding his left knee disability and back disability.,The Veteran's unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness, also claimed as undiagnosed illness due to Gulf War, is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's respiratory disability. The Veteran is also not entitled to new and material evidence for his OSA claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not ready for final decision and requires additional development, specifically scheduling an informal conference with a Decision Review Officer (DRO).

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastrointestinal disorder (Crohn's Disease), and bilateral hand numbness, all of which he contends are related to his Gulf War exposure.,Service connection has been remanded for the Veteran's claims of chronic fatigue syndrome, gastrointestinal disorder, and bilateral hand numbness.