Migraines & headaches decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disorder and migraine headaches did not originate during her military service, and therefore denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected somatoform disorder with headaches, effective from November 7, 1996. The claims for residuals of bilateral frostbite and defective vision were denied.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cerebral concussion, including headaches and seizures is denied because his second period of active duty was terminated by discharge under dishonorable conditions.

The Board found that the reductions in disability ratings for cognitive impairment with headaches and residuals of a neck injury were proper, effective June 1, 1999.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected blunt head injury with post-traumatic headaches, entitlement to a nonservice-connected pension, and service connection for chronic back strain and discogenic disease of the lumbar spine due to lack of sufficient medical evidence.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 50 percent for the service-connected migraine headaches, effective from the date of the June 1999 procedure. The other claims have been withdrawn by the veteran.

The veteran's appeals for service connection for headaches and a skin rash as due to herbicide exposure were dismissed because no timely substantive appeal was filed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are productive of characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average of once a month, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee and right ankle disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service, nor are they otherwise related to such service. The claim for headaches is pending.

The veteran's migraine headaches are characterized by headache episodes occurring three to four times per week, lasting two to six hours each. The initial rating assigned is 30 percent, the maximum under Diagnostic Code 8100 for very frequent prostrating attacks. The veteran's low back strain is characterized by subjective complaints of pain with range of motion of the lumbar spine of 95 degrees of forward flexion, 35 degrees of backward extension, and lateral flexion and bilateral rotation to 40 degrees. The initial rating assigned for this condition is 0 percent. The veteran's hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal disease, status post Nissen fundoplication, is characterized by occasional epigastric cramps/pain about three times per month, with no weight gain or loss for the past year or anemia. The initial rating assigned for this condition is 0 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development of records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board found that the veteran's current medical conditions, including headaches and a heart disorder, are not related to his in-service exposure to fluorocarbons. The lung disorder (emphysema) is linked to his long history of smoking.

The Board denied service connection for a hip disability and left shoulder disability, but granted service connection for headaches.,Service-connected allergic rhinitis is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the TDIU issue due to insufficient evidence regarding the current effect of service-connected disabilities on the veteran's ability to work. The case will be returned to the RO for further evaluation.

The Board found that the appellant's claimed conditions, including memory loss, headaches, and bruxism, are not related to his military service. The appeals were denied.

The veteran's seizure disorder with headaches was granted service connection and rated at 10 percent effective December 15, 2000.

The veteran's migraine headaches are productive of an aura, intense throbbing bifrontal and retro-orbital headaches with nausea and frequent vomiting for up to six hours, and photophobia. The Board finds that a 30 percent evaluation is currently warranted based on the frequency and severity of his symptoms.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claims of service connection for joint pain, a skin rash, memory loss and headaches due to an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's claimed conditions of night sweats, body odor, headaches, and sleeplessness were not incurred or aggravated by his military service. The Board found no evidence to support a finding that these conditions are due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, finding that the veteran's current headaches are related to those experienced in service. The issue of a compensable rating under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 is still pending.