Gulf War illness / chronic multisymptom Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for exercise-induced anaphylaxis and an acquired psychiatric disorder, but remanded the hypertension claim due to insufficient evidence of Gulf War exposure. The undiagnosed illness claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and earlier effective dates has been dismissed. The Board has remanded several issues including service connection claims due to incomplete records.

The Board denied service connection for Gulf War Syndrome, residuals of anthrax vaccination, and disability due to pyridostigmine bromide tablets as there is no evidence of a present disability or chronic symptoms related to these conditions.,The Board also denied service connection for right knee disorder and right foot disorder. The Veteran's current disorders were not found to be directly related to his active service.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for bilateral wrist arthritis. The claims for reopening of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and respiratory condition, as well as service connection for joint pain in left arm, joint pain in right arm, skin symptoms, and headaches are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and further evaluation of the Veteran's claims, including his service connection claim for residuals of urethra tumor.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to additional development being required, including obtaining Army Reserve records and private or VA treatment records. The Veteran is also to be afforded new VA examinations for his bilateral knee disability, Gulf War Syndrome, undiagnosed illness, and medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses including dizziness and fatigue, as well as his heart disability (CAD).

The Board has determined that the issues of service connection for a left hip disability, lumbar spine disability, skin condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and undiagnosed illness manifested by non-specific joint pain (left hip) need further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical examination and evaluation of the Veteran's fatigue symptoms, including whether they are related to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's high cholesterol is not service-connected and thus no rating is assigned.,Service connection for undiagnosed multi-symptom illness (Gulf War Syndrome) has been granted with a 40% disability rating, which is the maximum allowed under current criteria.,Bilateral hearing loss is rated at 30%, which is the maximum allowed under current criteria. Tinnitus is rated at 10%. Valvular heart disease is rated at 70% (subject to regulations governing payment of monetary awards).,PTSD has been granted with a 70% disability rating, and COPD was not service-connected after April 23, 2013.,The Veteran's undiagnosed multi-symptom illness is rated based on the criteria for fibromyalgia. The Veteran does have separate ratings for his gastrointestinal symptoms (GERD) and skin condition (dermatitis or eczema).,COPD was not service-connected after April 23, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting opinions regarding whether the Veteran's fibromyalgia and Gulf War Syndrome contributed to his death. The VA examiner needs to provide a clear opinion on these issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination regarding the Veteran's sleep apnea. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after the examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for joint aches and pains disorder, left knee disorder, fibromyalgia, and undiagnosed illness as there is no competent evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder strain and bilateral shin splints was denied as new and material evidence was not received within one year of the respective decisions.,Service connection for a digestive system condition due to Gulf War Syndrome is reopened, but the claim remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations due to incomplete records, inadequate examinations, and unclear assertions. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical evidence or clarification regarding his claims.

The Board has dismissed the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for back disability. The issues of service connection for gastrointestinal disorder and undiagnosed illness or MUCMI have been remanded due to lack of current evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition, memory loss due to an undiagnosed illness, chronic fatigue, allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted.,Service connection has not been established for the claimed respiratory condition. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a mycoplasma infection was denied. His claim for service connection for an undiagnosed Gulf War illness (manifestations of chronic fatigue, post-exertional malaise, sleep problems, subjective cognitive impairment, and orthostatic-related symptoms manifested by postural dizziness) was granted.

The Veteran's claims for nosebleeds, stomach condition (gastritis), and headaches have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. However, service connection remains denied as there is no established chronic disability related to these conditions.,Service connection for left leg fracture was not granted in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for breathing problems, chest pain, migraine headaches, fatigue, and stomach issues are denied. The issue of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's symptoms constitute a medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness or fibromyalgia, and if so, whether they are related to Gulf War exposure.