Migraines & headaches decisions — 2005

The Board denied an increased rating for migraines (previously characterized as cranial neuralgia) due to the maximum schedular rating of 50% having been granted.

The veteran's anxiety reaction is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating due to its current level of disability.,For migraine headaches, the veteran has an initial noncompensable evaluation. The VA examiner found that his migraines occur four times per month and are manageable with medication.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a concussion, including subjective complaints such as syncopal episodes, headaches, and short-term memory loss was denied. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 9304.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability related to her service, specifically no head injury or back condition. The claims for visual problems, headaches and ringing in the ears are also denied as there is insufficient evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for migraine headaches is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and a possible VA examination.

The Board has decided that additional development of evidence is needed before a decision can be made on the veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, post-traumatic headaches, hearing loss, tinnitus, residuals of multiple shell fragment wounds (SFWs), carpal tunnel syndrome, and hepatitis C. The denial was based on a lack of credible evidence to support these conditions as being related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates, finding that there was no evidence of prostrating headaches prior to November 12, 1991, and that he did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed respiratory disorder, headaches, and chest pain are not service-connected due to lack of evidence supporting their onset or connection to active duty. However, the veteran's fatigue is considered a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness incurred during his service in Southwest Asia.

The veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) was granted effective September 30, 1999. The Board found no basis to award TDIU prior to this date.

The veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected headache disorder was denied. The claim seeking an increased rating for facial scars residuals of a head injury is remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development due to a failure to comply with prior remand instructions and provide VCAA notice.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral pes planus, service connection for low back disability and bilateral knee disability, service connection for headaches as secondary to flat feet, and service connection for a skin lesion of the left buttock due to microwave radiation exposure. The current status of these claims is pending further action.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to determine if separate disability ratings are warranted for the service-connected headaches and cervical spine limitation of motion.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, finding that her current headache complaints are manifestations of her already service-connected chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected laceration of the forehead with residual scar does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The VA has also determined that the veteran's residuals of an injury to the forehead, with recurrent headaches, do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran is seeking service connection for Crohn's disease and headaches/ringing in ears, both claimed as due to head trauma. The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Meniere's syndrome and headaches, prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to these service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions claimed as due to undiagnosed illnesses, including fatigue, headaches, muscle/joint pain, sleep disturbances, neuropsychological signs, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The claim for a back disorder was also denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for undiagnosed illness manifested by multiple joint pains and headaches, currently rated at 40 percent, has been denied as the evidence does not show symptoms that warrant a higher evaluation.