Migraines & headaches decisions — 2001

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of her service-connected migraine syndrome, right and left small toe conditions are denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require a program of vocational rehabilitation under chapter 31, as his education and work experience are sufficient to find suitable employment.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and partial amputations of the left hand were denied. The initial rating assigned for the partial amputations was 10 percent, effective February 28, 1997. The effective dates for both service connection determinations were also set at February 28, 1997.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches secondary to service-connected PTSD and a 100 percent schedular rating for PTSD, finding that the veteran's symptoms result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board found that the veteran's headaches and sinusitis were not incurred in or aggravated by his service, as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's VA disability compensation benefits are subject to withholding in order to recoup an erroneous reimbursement of non-disability separation pay received by him, and upheld the RO's decision.

The Board has requested additional examinations and records to determine if the veteran's psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, and headaches are related to his military service. The case is being remanded for these actions.

The Board denied service connection for joint problems, headaches, chest pain and shakes due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to active duty. The earlier effective date claim was also denied as the veteran's gastrointestinal problems and fatigue were not related to his active service.

The Board has determined that an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for tension headaches is not warranted, as it should be the later of the date he filed to reopen his claim or the date entitlement arose. The RO assigned a September 30, 1998 effective date based on a medical statement received by the RO which constituted an informal claim.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including a more recent VA examination and any relevant medical records. The case will be reviewed again after these steps are completed.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims of service connection for a skin disorder and PTSD. The veteran now has pending claims regarding these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected upper respiratory condition, which was initially granted in September 1995 with a 30 percent disability rating effective from November 2, 1994.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches, neck pain, and numbness of the arms and shoulder were caused by VA treatment. The postoperative right abdominal wall incisional hernia is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's cardiovascular disability and head injury with headaches were not incurred or aggravated during service, nor are they related to any incident of military service. The cause of death is considered due to his pre-existing coronary artery disease.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's status post hemorrhoidectomy, effective from the date of the decision. The increased evaluations for allergic rhinitis and tension headaches remain noncompensable.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, musculoskeletal tension headaches, and a right hand disorder characterized as numbness of the ulnar nerve. The VA has determined that these conditions are not related to military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of multiple injuries, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for head injury, headaches, and a neck condition were not well grounded. The RO established service connection for a jaw condition (fractured mandible) with a noncompensable rating effective from April 9, 1997. From December 6, 2000, the veteran's claim for an increased rating was denied.

The veteran's claims for a right shoulder or arm disorder, headaches, and periodontitis are all denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence, and granted service connection for arthritis of the neck, low back, hands, and feet. Service connection was also granted for bilateral hearing loss, residuals of rheumatic fever, hiatal hernia with reflux, and post-concussive migraine disorder.