Migraines & headaches decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches, which have been manifested by symptomatology analogous to migraine headaches with prostrating attacks occurring on average once per month over several months, meet the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating. The veteran's claim is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for headaches and a skull fracture, finding no evidence of current disabilities or in-service injuries.

The Board has granted an initial 50 percent evaluation for service-connected migraine and chronic tension-type headaches since the effective date of December 16, 1996. The veteran's tinnitus is rated at 10 percent from November 17, 2000. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was not established.

The Board granted service connection for bone and joint pains, fatigue, and headaches as manifestations of an undiagnosed illness. The veteran was diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

The Board has determined that the veteran's seizure disorder with headaches and nosebleeds warrants an increased evaluation to 80 percent, based on more than 10 minor seizures weekly over the last year.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's residuals of a head injury from June 19, 1945 to October 18, 1993, finding that there was no evidence of more than subjective complaints.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for migraine headaches and bronchitis, finding that his service-connected conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, fatigue, and joint/muscle pain as due to undiagnosed illnesses. The evidence now shows that these symptoms are manifestations of an illness or combination of illnesses not yet diagnosed.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased disability ratings in various conditions, finding that none of the conditions warranted a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for nasal polyps, nose bleeds, and sinus headaches are denied as there is no evidence to support an in-service onset or aggravation of these conditions.

The veteran's current headaches are shown to have likely had their clinical onset during his period of active service, and the Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence supports the claim of service connection for headaches.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for TMJ syndrome, arthritis of the jaw, and headaches, finding that these conditions did not have their onset in or were aggravated by active military service.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for post traumatic headaches effective from November 17, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to report for a scheduled hearing and other procedural issues. The veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder disability, headaches, syncope, head injury, depression, and increased rating for right ankle disability are before the RO.

The veteran's post-traumatic headaches are rated at 30 percent, effective August 8, 1995. Service connection for a lumbar spine disability and tingling and numbness of the legs is granted. The veteran's cervical spine disability remains service-connected with a 60 percent rating.

The veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for post traumatic headaches, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling from January 1, 1999.

The Board denied an increased rating for headaches, finding that the veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 30 percent rating due to the lack of characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average of once per month.

The Board denied service connection for back strain and degenerative spondylosis of the cervical spine, but granted service connection for muscle tension headaches.

The Board denied service connection for an ear disorder, a back disorder, and residuals of head injury (including tinnitus and headaches). The claim for bilateral hip strain was also denied.