Migraines & headaches decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for service connection for reactive airway disease and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his current respiratory conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or that any claimed conditions are related to her period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including ear problems, equilibrium dysfunction, hearing loss, a chin disability, headaches, dizziness and dental disorders, were not present in service or are not etiologically related to service. The seizure disorder is also not found to be related to service. Service connection for an anxiety disorder and gastritis/peptic ulcer disease has been denied as well.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss does not meet VA disability criteria and therefore denied service connection for this condition. The other issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral ankle disorder, bilateral knee disorder, acquired pes planus, and chronic headaches secondary to PTSD were also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for dental conditions, headaches, an eating disorder, and loss of concentration secondary to anthrax immunization. The appeals were based on new evidence that was not previously considered.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA clinical records and providing the veteran with a comprehensive examination to assess the severity of his PTSD, headaches, and gastritis.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the veteran's vascular headaches, finding that his frequent and prolonged attacks meet the criteria for such a rating.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic headache disability, cervical spine disorder, and hearing loss. The veteran's headaches began during his active military duty but were not found to be related to service. His cervical spine disorder was determined to be congenital and not associated with service. His hearing loss was also not found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar strain, left shoulder disorder, and chronic headaches are service-connected. The respiratory, sinus, and knee disorders have not been established as service-connected.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD due to a lack of credible supporting evidence of the in-service stressor, and denied service connection for a headache disability as there was no medical evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for PTSD requires a link between current symptoms and an in-service stressor. The appellant's reported combat experiences were not corroborated, and his assertions regarding these events are not credible.

The Board has determined that the appellant's bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, and he was assigned a 100% rating. The claims for residuals of a head injury, headaches, and partial paralysis of the left side were denied as there is no competent medical evidence to support these conditions.

The case is being remanded for additional development and initial RO consideration of the new evidence. The veteran's notice of disagreement on residuals of left eye trauma has been placed in appellate status, so a statement of the case must be issued.

The Board has granted service connection for orthostatic lightheadedness as due to an undiagnosed illness. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for migraine headaches since August 5, 1997. The veteran's service-connected migraines are currently rated at the maximum assignable evaluation.

The VA has ordered a remand for further examination and opinion regarding the veteran's claimed headache disorder, which is currently considered to be of direct service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's headaches and spinal condition were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current disability, to include headaches, as a result of an in-service head injury. Therefore, service connection for residuals of a head injury was denied.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for chronic health disorders allegedly caused by mercury in dental fillings and lead exposure during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of medical nexus evidence and the need for further examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and a seizure disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.