The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for fibromyalgia and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) were denied. The VA found that the current schedular ratings adequately reflect the severity of the Veteran’s fibromyalgia, as well as his PTSD and irritable bowel syndrome.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support an extraschedular evaluation for fibromyalgia, as the symptoms are considered by the existing rating criteria. The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied because he has a combined disability rating of 80% (PTSD at 70%, fibromyalgia at 40%, and irritable bowel syndrome at 0%), meeting the schedular requirements for a TDIU.
- Claimed conditions
- fibromyalgia, PTSD, irritable bowel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20059729
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 20059729.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board of Veterans' Appeals has granted service connection for PTSD and Mood Disorders, both presumed conditions under the PACT Act.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines was reopened due to new evidence. Service connection is granted for painful scars, but the rating assigned remains at 10 percent. The claims for fibromyalgia and bilateral shoulder disability are denied.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, fibromyalgia, and vertigo. The decision found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected disability.
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