Migraines & headaches decisions — 2001

The Board denied service connection for chronic brain syndrome and headaches in 1970, but the veteran argues that there was clear and unmistakable error. The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in either decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for her service-connected tension headaches, finding that her symptomatology did not warrant a higher rating.

The veteran's atypical depression and vascular/muscle tension headaches are both rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disorder and granted a 10% rating for his scar as a residual of a left parietal region laceration. The headaches are considered to be incurred during active duty, while the scar is rated based on its current symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed cervical spine disability and headaches are not related to service, any incident of service, or an undiagnosed illness. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-traumatic headaches are service-connected and have granted a grant of service connection for this condition. The evaluation for residuals of laceration of the forehead with left eye ptosis remains unchanged, as does the restoration of the gastroenteritis evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Headaches and Earaches as secondary to a fractured jaw, and an acquired mental illness other than post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches and homonymous hemianopsia, right, with macular sparing and intermittent exotropia. The veteran is also found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and thus entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability. However, there are no findings regarding automobile or adaptive equipment allowance.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal for service connection due to his failure to respond to requests for information and evidence, resulting in an abandonment of his claim.

The Board has granted an original evaluation of 10 percent for the appellant's muscle tension headaches disability, effective from October 13, 1992 to March 7, 1995. The rating was increased to 10 percent from March 8, 1995.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for multiple sclerosis, currently rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his post-traumatic headaches and left ankle disability, but found that no new and material evidence had been received to reopen his claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastro-esophageal reflux disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome and numbness in hands and arms, sleep disturbance (not due to psychiatric disability), headaches, and poor appetite and weight loss are all service-connected based on their association with undiagnosed illness experienced during her service in the Gulf War theater.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the veteran's migraine headaches, effective from February 15, 2000. The veteran's headaches are very frequent and completely prostrating, impacting his life considerably.

The Board has denied all the claims for service connection due to lack of objective indications of chronic disability or evidence of a current disability.

The VA reduced the appellant's disability rating from ten to zero percent for an anxiety reaction with tension headaches in May 1977, and this decision is considered final based on evidence at that time. The appellant now claims there was a clear and unmistakable error in this decision.

The Board has granted increased ratings for post-traumatic stress disorder, headaches secondary to fragment wound, and polypoid right frontal sinus. The other claims remain unchanged.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of December 14, 1993 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided in favor of the veteran, granting service connection for tension headaches.

The veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher evaluation have not been met.