Migraines & headaches decisions — 2002

The Board denied both claims: entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for discoid lupus erythematosus and service connection for the residuals of a right ankle injury. The veteran's claim for these conditions was not supported by sufficient evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for vascular headaches is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a neurological examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran developed an anxiety disorder and bilateral shin splints as a result of his active service, warranting service connection for these conditions. The headaches are also considered service-connected on a direct basis.

The Board has granted a 100 percent evaluation for PTSD, effective from February 7, 1995. The veteran's headaches are not service connected.

The Board denied service connection for a pituitary adenoma and its associated symptoms, including headaches. However, the Board granted service connection for an undiagnosed skin disorder on the basis of undiagnosed illness during service in the Persian Gulf. The effective date for the 20% evaluation for left knee arthroscopy and anterior cruciate ligament repair was also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a head injury with headaches and scars, as well as his claim for a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disability.

The Board found that the veteran's headaches as a residual of a concussion are no more than 10 percent disabling and denied an increased rating.

The veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are currently evaluated at a 30 percent disability rating, and the Board has determined that this evaluation is appropriate based on the severity of his symptoms.

The veteran's symptoms have not been linked to service or an undiagnosed illness, and he failed to report for scheduled examinations.

The veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including vocal cord issues and hearing loss, all claimed as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to recent legislation regarding presumption of exposure to Agent Orange.

The VA determined that the veteran's current headache disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found no evidence of a current hearing disability for VA purposes and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. For migraine headaches, the Board concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship with the veteran's service-connected tinnitus.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for headaches and a separate 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's left foot disorder, effective from December 1995. The right foot disorder continues to be evaluated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for migraine headaches, effective from March 1, 1998. The veteran's left inguinal hernia is rated as noncompensable.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection due to new and material evidence showing potential links between current symptoms and in-service head injuries. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder was not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied all secondary service connection claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a disorder of the knees, a stomach disorder, acute appendicitis, an eye disorder, and headaches. The evidence did not support these claims.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death.

The veteran's initial evaluations for posttraumatic migraine headaches with memory loss and torn latissimus dorsi muscle have been granted at 30 percent, effective April 27, 1996.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for back disability and granted a 10 percent rating. The veteran's headaches are rated as 10 percent disabling, but no compensable rating is assigned for his bilateral hearing loss.