Migraines & headaches decisions — 2003

The Board denied a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD. The issues of entitlement to service connection for fatigue, headaches, memory loss, sleep disorder, depression, nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, anger, anxiety, and skin rash have also been reopened.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral hip disorder, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, arthritis of the feet and ankles, neuropathy of the upper extremities, tension headaches, cervical DJD, PTSD, and claudication. The reasons are not provided in this decision.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence. The case is now remanded to the RO for obtaining medical records and arranging an examination.

The Board is remanding the case to provide adequate notification of the VCAA requirements and to allow for further development before deciding whether new evidence has been received to reopen claims of service connection for allergic rhinosinusitis and vascular headaches.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of surgical fusion of fractured cervical vertebrae, including headaches. The RO had previously granted a 20% disability rating and later increased it to 30%. However, the new regulatory criteria applicable to spine disabilities have not yet been provided.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for depression, loss of part of the left index finger, and chronic headaches. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case due to pending issues regarding service connection for lung disorder, headaches, and gunshot wounds. The appeal is currently on hold until all requested evidence is obtained.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including VA examinations for hearing loss and tinnitus, gastrointestinal disorder, chronic headaches, and visual disorder. The appeal is currently pending due to procedural issues.

The Board denied the claim of entitlement to service connection for a headache disorder. The claim of entitlement to service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left maxillary sinus, claimed as related to exposure to herbicide agents, will be addressed in the Remand section.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected headaches is being remanded due to the need for additional development and compliance with new legal requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and development of her claims.

The Board has granted service connection for dysthymic disorder, finding that it is proximately due to a service-connected condition (premature ovarian failure). The other claims remain denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claims for headaches and a skin disorder of the left hand are denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeals of issues 1, 2, and 3 have been dismissed due to his withdrawal. The appeal for issue 6 remains pending.

The Board found that the veteran's tinnitus is related to noise exposure in service and granted service connection for this condition. The decision on migraine remains pending as there was no opinion provided regarding its relation to service.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, finding them to be manifestations of the veteran's already-service-connected hysterical neurosis.

The Board denied all service connection claims as the veteran did not present evidence of current disabilities related to his in-service injuries and hospitalizations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of migraine headaches, service connection for a low back disorder, hypertension, and glaucoma. The claim to reopen his skin disorder was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for cold urticaria, but denied the other issues on appeal.