Migraines & headaches decisions — 2004

The veteran's headaches, secondary to his service-connected chronic cervical strain with limitation of motion of the upper extremities, are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation prior to May 20, 2002 and an evaluation in excess of 30 percent from May 20, 2002 for vascular migraine headaches.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise regarding whether left ear hearing loss originated during service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including an examination and opinion regarding whether there is a relationship between the veteran's service-connected PTSD and his headaches.

The Board denied service connection for migraine headaches and the initial disability evaluation for chronic lumbar disability due to lumbar strain, lumbar disc bulging and lumbar spinal canal stenosis. The veteran's claim was reopened on new evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for headaches, residuals of meningitis is being remanded due to the need for VCAA compliance and further medical evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for ringing in ears and buzzing headaches, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for headaches has been denied. The case is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional records from the veteran's treatment at the Memphis VAMC since 1978.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing headache disability did not increase in severity during military service and thus, service connection for headaches is denied.

The veteran's dysthymic disorder, diagnosed as a result of her Gulf War service, is granted service connection.

The veteran's claim for service connection for retinal migraines, also claimed as a right eye disorder, is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation due to a lack of examination records, and requests that additional development be conducted.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected left eye disorder and headaches.,The veteran's left eye disorder is currently rated at 40 percent, while his headaches are rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for headaches from December 21, 1996 to March 27, 2003 and a rating in excess of 30 percent for headaches from March 27, 2003. The current severity of his service-connected non-migraine headaches is fully contemplated by the existing 30 percent evaluation.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for disability compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding that his chronic headaches and residuals of injuries to the neck, shoulders, knees, left elbow, and lower back did not result from VA medical care.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis and migraine headaches, with a rating of 30 percent for migraine headaches.

The Board found that the veteran's head injury residuals did not increase in severity during service and concluded that there was no aggravation of his pre-existing condition. Therefore, the claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury, to include headaches, is denied.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claim for hearing loss disability due to a lack of current VA audiological examination. The other issues remain under consideration.

The Board has determined that the criteria for a 100 percent rating for service-connected PTSD have been met, and this decision is granted.