Migraines & headaches decisions — 2003

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and headaches, finding that his current hearing acuity did not meet the criteria for a disability due to impaired hearing as defined by VA regulations. The claim for headaches was remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and a headache disorder, finding no evidence linking these conditions to the appellant's military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently suffer from bilateral hearing loss disability for VA compensation purposes and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for neck spasm with headaches, which was previously denied in 1994. The case is now remanded for further development.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues and evidence. The appeal is currently remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's shrapnel wound to the left side of his head incurred in service resulted in current residuals, including tenderness and retained fragments. The claim for service connection is granted.

The veteran is seeking service connection for the residuals of a head concussion, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if these symptoms are related to his active duty service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including depression, anxiety, memory problems, lack of concentration, PTSD, varicose veins, jungle rot, bilateral leg disability, bilateral knee disability, bilateral foot disability, migraine headaches, and sleep disorder. The reasons provided were that there was insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and is requesting additional evidence from the veteran's health care providers. The case will be remanded for a VA examination to determine if the veteran currently has a cervical spine disability with headaches, and whether it is related to her period of active service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's left foot disability and her migraine headaches. This includes obtaining new VA examinations to assess these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including verification of in-service stressors and examination to determine current disabilities.

The veteran's permanent disabilities, including WPW syndrome, hypertension, and migraine headaches, do not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes due to his ability to engage in substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have residuals of a head injury including laceration scar and chronic headaches which are linked to active service.

The Board denied an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus, finding that the veteran's service-connected tinnitus warrants a single 10 percent rating since September 1, 2000.

The veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have been characterized by frequent attacks occurring once a month, qualifying for a 30 percent disability rating. The initial 10 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is maintained.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional evidence and notification under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected chronic exertional headaches, status post heatstroke/heat injuries is currently evaluated at 30 percent. To increase this rating, the evidence must show that the veteran has 'very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.'

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection for various conditions, but the veteran's original claim of service connection remains denied.