Migraines & headaches decisions — 2000

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development of evidence, including obtaining employment records and hospitalization records. The veteran's claim may now be reconsidered based on this additional information.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected migraine headaches, finding that her frequent and severe attacks have resulted in severe economic inadaptability.

The veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, effective from November 1, 1995. The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, effective from November 1, 1995, but the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for migraine cephalalgia and prolactinoma, assigning 30 percent and noncompensable evaluations, respectively.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic headaches meet the criteria for a disability rating of 30 percent, effective from August 2, 1999.

The Board found that the appellant's migraine headaches, which averaged about once a month, did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent. The issue of entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome was addressed but is addressed in the remand portion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's currently shown headaches did not have their onset in service and are not otherwise related to service or any event therein.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and transient ischemic attacks/cerebrovascular disease. The decision also noted that efforts should be made to obtain records from the Office of Personnel Management related to the veteran's disability retirement.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip bursitis, migraine headaches, and right breast lumps.,Service connection is established for these conditions based on their onset during active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent. The issue regarding service connection for migraine headaches was denied due to a lack of clear and unmistakable error.

The Board found that the veteran's symptoms did not manifest until after his service in Southwest Asia and were not supported by cognizable evidence showing they are due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board found that the veteran's service records clearly show he was hospitalized for gastrointestinal issues on July 17, 1944, and not present at the explosion. Therefore, his claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches, which began during service and have continued since then, are related to his head injury in 1946. As a result, the veteran is granted service connection for residuals of brain concussion with headaches.

The veteran's low back disorder with lumbar disc disease and traumatic arthritis is rated at 40 percent, effective from December 3, 1997. The head injury residuals are rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death due to hypertension, right arm condition, back pain, and injury to the back of head. The veteran's hypertension was noted to have started in 1963, which is prior to his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's migraine headache disorder began in service and granted her claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied because the evidence does not support a finding that his headaches, blurred vision, empty sella syndrome and liver condition were caused by VA-provided Prolixin injections.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's migraine headache disability, effective from February 2, 1995. The veteran had characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once per month over the last several months.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, right hip disability, stomach disability, and headaches. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded, as there is no competent medical evidence showing a chronic disability involving memory loss or sinus problems. The veteran's complaints have been attributed to emotional difficulties and developmental issues.