Migraines & headaches decisions — 2003

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now being remanded for a thorough review and examination of the veteran's claims.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for migraine headaches is being remanded due to the need for a VA neurology examination.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and migraine headaches, finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury, including seizures and headaches. However, the Board denied the claim on the merits as there was no medical evidence linking current conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both lower extremities are denied as there is no evidence showing that his service-connected residuals of a head injury have resulted in significant functional impairment or marked interference with employment.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and evidence. The case is now remanded for additional examination and review.

The veteran's gastrointestinal disability, diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome, is presumed to have been incurred in service. The other conditions are not considered due to an undiagnosed illness or service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected post concussion syndrome with headaches and seizure disorder, finding that the evidence did not establish more than one prostrating headache a month or any confirmed seizures.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected occipital nerve injury with headaches, finding that it more nearly approximates very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for depression secondary to her service-connected hysterectomy. The issue of service connection for headaches secondary to her service-connected hysterectomy is pending and will be addressed in a future remand.

The Board has determined that the veteran's increased rating claim required further development due to a recent Federal Circuit Court decision invalidating certain provisions of VA regulations. The RO is instructed to obtain relevant medical records and arrange for a VA neurological examination to rate the veteran's service-connected headaches.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between any current disabilities and his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and notification in accordance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The issues include an evaluation for headaches, service connection for a psychiatric disability, and service connection for a sinus condition. These matters will be addressed by the RO.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for various knee and back disorders, as well as a headache disorder. The case is now remanded for additional evidence collection and examination.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations. The appeal is currently pending due to this additional development.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a neurological examination. The examiner will assess whether his migraine headaches are aggravated by his post traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current perianal disorder (diagnosed as perianal fistulas) and disability manifested by chronic fever, night sweats, and headaches are not related to his service or any in-service occurrence or event. As such, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development to determine if any of the claimed disabilities are related to an undiagnosed illness, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome.