The Board granted service connection for arthritis of the cervical and lumbar segments, but denied service connection for fibromyalgia. The veteran's ratings for his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were confirmed or increased.
The deciding factor: Arthritis was directly related to military service due to in-service low back pain and degenerative changes; fibromyalgia was not shown by the evidence to be a current disability, but associated symptoms of muscular pain are considered part of the service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities for rating purposes.
- Claimed conditions
- arthritis, fibromyalgia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 31, 2008
- Citation
- 0810622
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal to obtain a VA medical opinion that considers the Veteran's contentions of in-service training with heavy gear and equipment.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for scarring, right orchiopexy and remanded the claim of asbestos exposure residuals. Other claims for service connection were denied.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for asthma and remanded claims for insomnia and sleep apnea. Other conditions were denied.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for fibromyalgia and Gulf War unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness, bronchus, as well as an extension of the temporary 100 percent disability evaluation.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.