The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings were dismissed. The initial rating for conjunctivitis was denied, as the disability has not manifested any incapacitating episodes or visual field defects. The initial rating for CFS from December 18, 1997 to August 18, 2015 was also denied due to lack of debilitating fatigue and cognitive impairments. The Veteran's migraines were found not to meet the criteria for an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show any incapacitating episodes or visual field defects that would warrant higher ratings for conjunctivitis, CFS, or migraines.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic fatigue syndrome, conjunctivitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 6, 2018
- Citation
- 18123974
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18123974.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board has not made a final determination on the claims of service connection for inguinal hernia, PTSD, joint pain, fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, tinnitus, chronic fatigue syndrome, respiratory disability, sleep disorder, IBS, and headaches. The claims are remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine if these conditions are related to service.
- Granted
The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, endometriosis, thyroid condition, and chronic fatigue syndrome due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The claims are now considered on their merits.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The claims for service connection and rating of various conditions have not progressed further.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS with GERD, and OSA were denied. The claim for OSA was granted due to the receipt of new evidence showing a current disability.
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