The Board granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, cephalgia/chronic headaches, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, lumbosacral strain, thoracic segmental dysfunction, and lumbar spine disc syndrome. A 30 percent rating was assigned for cervical strain.

The deciding factor: The evidence is approximately evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran experienced chronic fatigue syndrome which became manifest either in service or in the years since service, and there is sufficient evidence that he participated in combat/was exposed to incoming enemy fire while serving in Southwest Asia. The Veteran's reports of continuous symptoms are credible.

Claimed conditions

chronic fatigue syndrome, cephalgia/chronic headaches, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, lumbosacral strain, thoracic segmental dysfunction, and lumbar spine disc syndrome, bilateral lumbar radiculopathy of the lower extremities (secondary to lumbosacral strain, thoracic segmental dysfunction, and lumbar spine disc syndrome), bilateral cervical radiculopathy of the upper extremities (secondary to cervical strain)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

30%

Decision date

October 7, 2025

Citation

A25086684

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine