Understanding Fibromyalgia and Filing a VA Disability Claim

 

About Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and non-painful signals. The symptoms often begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection, or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event. Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men, and many people with fibromyalgia also have tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression.

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Filing a VA Disability Claim for Fibromyalgia: Veterans experiencing fibromyalgia symptoms should document their condition thoroughly to file a VA disability claim. It's essential to gather all medical records, both from military service and civilian healthcare providers, that diagnose and treat fibromyalgia. Veterans should also obtain a nexus letter from a healthcare provider linking the condition to their military service, especially if the symptoms began during or shortly after service. This is particularly relevant for veterans who served in the Gulf War, as fibromyalgia is recognized as a presumptive condition for Gulf War veterans due to the unique environmental exposures during that conflict. Veterans who retired under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) program may also link fibromyalgia symptoms to their service, supporting their claim for disability benefits.

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Symptoms and Secondary Conditions

Primary Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:

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• Widespread musculoskeletal pain

• Fatigue

• Sleep disturbances (including restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea)

• Cognitive difficulties ("fibro fog")

• Headaches

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Depression and anxiety

• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

• Increased sensitivity to pain

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Secondary Conditions:

• Depression and Anxiety: Due to chronic pain and fatigue, many fibromyalgia patients experience mental health issues.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Extreme, prolonged tiredness that does not improve with rest.

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ): Jaw pain and dysfunction.

• Migraines and Tension Headaches: Frequent severe headaches.

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Relationship to Gulf War Conditions and TERA:

Fibromyalgia is a presumptive condition for Gulf War veterans, meaning the VA presumes the condition is related to their service if they served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. This includes veterans who served in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other areas during the Gulf War. Veterans who retired under TERA may also claim fibromyalgia if they can provide evidence linking their symptoms to their service.

 

VA Rating Scale for Fibromyalgia:

The VA rates fibromyalgia under Diagnostic Code 5025 with the following criteria:

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• 10% Rating: Symptoms that require continuous medication for control. This rating is given when fibromyalgia is present but does not significantly interfere with daily activities or employment.

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• 20% Rating: Symptoms that are episodic, with exacerbations often precipitated by environmental or emotional stress or by overexertion, but that are present more than one-third of the time. This rating indicates more frequent symptoms that moderately impact daily life.

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• 40% Rating: Symptoms that are constant, or nearly so, and refractory to therapy. This highest rating is given for severe, persistent symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning and are unresponsive to treatment.

 

Gather Comprehensive Evidence:

• Medical Records: Collect all relevant medical records from military service and civilian healthcare providers. Ensure these records include a detailed history of symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments.

• Nexus Letter: Obtain a nexus letter from a healthcare provider that clearly links fibromyalgia to your military service. This letter should detail the onset and progression of symptoms.

• Personal Statements: Write a personal statement describing how fibromyalgia began or was aggravated during service and its impact on your daily life. Include specific examples of how the condition affects your work, social interactions, and personal care.

• Buddy Statements: Collect statements from fellow service members or family who can corroborate your account of the condition. These statements should describe their observations of your symptoms and the impact on your life.

 

Prepare for the C&P Exam:

• Review Your Symptoms: Be ready to discuss your symptoms, treatments, and how fibromyalgia affects your daily life during the Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam. This is crucial for accurately documenting the severity of your condition.

• Bring Supporting Documents: Take all relevant medical records, personal statements, and buddy statements to the exam. This helps ensure the examiner has comprehensive information about your condition.

 

Seek Assistance from a VA Disability Advocate:

Veterans with fibromyalgia should know that it is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues, often exacerbated by stress or physical activity. To file a VA disability claim, they must gather comprehensive medical records, including diagnoses and treatment histories from both military and civilian healthcare providers. A nexus letter linking fibromyalgia to military service, particularly for Gulf War veterans who have a presumptive service connection, is crucial. Personal and buddy statements describing the impact on daily life are also essential. Veterans should be prepared for the C&P exam by reviewing their symptoms and bringing all supporting documents. Seeking assistance from an accredited VA Disability Advocate can enhance the chances of a successful claim.