Migraines & headaches decisions — 2003

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue, arthralgias (multi-joint pains and loss of muscle strength), headaches, and a mild amnestic disorder due to undiagnosed illness. The veteran's skin rash and hemorrhoids are not considered in this decision.

The veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at the highest possible initial rating of 50 percent, effective from the date of grant of service connection. The ratings for her status post left and right foot metatarsal bunionectomies remain denied.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines and assigned a 60 percent disability rating for sarcoidosis.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further action and to consider additional evidence developed by the Board.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claim can be fully adjudicated, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with a thorough examination to assess her service-connected low back disability and migraine headaches.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a chronic left heel disorder, right hand disorder, right shoulder disorder, or headache disorder that is related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, and her service-connected disabilities prevent her from securing and following gainful employment. Therefore, she is granted a TDIU rating.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for migraine headaches and remanded the issues of service connection for lumbar strain and a bilateral knee disorder for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to comply with legal provisions on the VA's duty to notify the veteran with regard to evidence and information necessary to substantiate his claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis and migraine headaches are denied. The initial ratings for right shoulder impingement syndrome (30%) and left shoulder impingement syndrome (20%) are granted, but the claim for increased rating of migraine headaches is denied.

The veteran's left hip condition, which he sustained in a pre-existing injury prior to service, was aggravated during his second period of active service. Service connection for arthritis of the left hip is granted.

The Board found no evidence of a disability manifested by ringing in the ears and buzzing headaches during service or for many years after service. The veteran's current complaints were not linked to his military service, and the claim was denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for headaches, and it is now found in favor of the veteran.

The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for migraine headaches, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for service connection for a skin rash (secondary to herbicide exposure) is also granted.

The veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not warrant an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, but granted a rating of 20 percent for low back strain.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and is remanding the case for additional examination.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and assigning separate ratings for his service-connected migraine headaches and dysthymic disorder with addiction to barbiturates and Darvocet.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding service connection for various conditions. The case is now remanded for additional evidence collection.