Migraines & headaches decisions — 2003

The veteran's headaches are rated at a maximum of 50 percent, the highest schedular rating available for migraine headaches. The Board also found that he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to incomplete information regarding his claimed stressors and other issues. The case is now remanded for additional development.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his left eye disorder and scars of the left eyebrow and eyelid was granted. The issue regarding reopening his claim for service connection for headaches has been reopened, but no new rating or effective date has been assigned.

The Board has ordered further development in your case due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. Your claims for service connection for vertigo, including as due to an ear disorder, and headaches are being remanded for additional development.

The VA determined that the veteran's current headaches are not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a thoracic spine disorder, gastrointestinal disorders, headache disorder, and PTSD. The veteran was not shown to have these conditions during or as a result of his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities related to his service, and therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for headaches with otitis media of the right ear, residuals of excision of left hydrocele, swelling of the left lower leg and foot, a left ankle disability, or a right knee disability.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for a VA neurological examination to evaluate the veteran's headache complaints. The case will be remanded and returned to the RO for any additional actions required.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and an increased rating for migraine headaches.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for service-connected migraine headaches, effective from March 2, 2000.

The veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his facial scar are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations.

The Board has restored a 10 percent rating for the service-connected residuals of right knee surgery and assigned a 20 percent rating for arthritis of the right knee with limitation of motion. The veteran's chronic headaches are rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including cardiovascular problems and fatigue due to an undiagnosed illness, were denied. The Board found no objective indications of a chronic cardiovascular disorder or fatigue during or since service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of headaches and a temporary total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected conditions.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and will remand the case for additional evidence.

The veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and ensure compliance with VCAA requirements. The VA will schedule the veteran for an examination to determine if his current headaches are related to service or his cervical spine disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for headaches, bilateral hearing loss, residuals of left inguinal hernia repair, residuals of postoperative nasal septoplasty, and bilateral renal nephrocalcinosis with hypertension. The preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating in any of these cases.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his TDIU, finding that no evidence supported a prior effective date due to lack of timely submission of claims and unemployability during the year before November 28, 1997.

The veteran's representative contends that he has a cervical spine disorder and related headaches stemming from injuries sustained in service. The VA neurological consultation noted the veteran sustained injuries to his back and neck as a result of a helicopter crash during military service, leading to diagnoses of cervical degenerative and posttraumatic arthritis. The Board finds further examination is required prior to final decision.

The veteran's right knee disability, hepatitis B, headaches, and psychiatric condition are all found to be service-connected. The aching joints claim is denied as not being attributable to service, while the fatigue claim is also denied due to depression.