Migraines & headaches decisions — 2004

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for service-connected migraine headaches, effective from May 29, 1999. The veteran's condition is characterized by characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average several times a month.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and adjudication, including the consideration of her claims for increased ratings for service-connected disabilities and a TDIU. The RO must also obtain all relevant medical records and conduct a VA examination to assess the impact of her service-connected conditions on her employability.

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

The veteran's service-connected scar of the scalp and forehead is granted a 10 percent evaluation effective March 7, 2002. The residuals of his maxillary fracture are also granted but with no compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the appeal is dismissed due to a lack of timely substantive appeal for the initial evaluation of acne vulgaris. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for headaches or right knee disability.

The veteran's claims for secondary service connection for headaches resulting from sinusitis and increased evaluations for her service-connected sinusitis and cervical spine disability prior to October 1, 2001 were denied. The RO confirmed the current evaluation of 30% for sinusitis but did not increase it further. Service connection for degenerative changes to the cervical spine was severed effective October 1, 2001.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these headaches to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current migraine headaches and finds no evidence linking his current headache disorder to service, including a motor vehicle accident. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's headaches and undiagnosed illnesses were granted service connection. The issues of GERD, basal cell carcinoma residuals, and allergic rhinorrhea are pending.

The veteran's service connection claims for PTSD, skull fragment injury residuals, right shoulder fragment injury residuals, right forearm fragment injury residuals, right wrist fragment injury residuals, and dizziness and headaches due to a grenade explosion are denied as the injuries were sustained due to his own willful misconduct.

The Board has received notification of the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal, and therefore dismisses the case.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, skin rash of the feet, hands and chest, and fatigue as due to an undiagnosed illness during service in the Persian Gulf.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The veteran's claims for chronic fatigue, depressive disorder, memory loss, and headaches due to an undiagnosed illness have been denied. The claims for a blood disease/mycoplasma infection were also denied.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an eye disorder due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination.

The veteran's disability due to undiagnosed illness during her service in the Persian Gulf War is presumed and granted.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and granted an initial compensable evaluation for migraines, but found no current low back disability. The claim is remanded to obtain relevant private treatment records.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board affirmed the RO's decisions, noting that the veteran did not meet the percentage criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for headaches and compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 (West 2002) for various disabilities are being remanded due to incomplete VA treatment records, lack of proper notice regarding the VCAA requirements, and need for additional medical examinations.