Migraines & headaches decisions — 2005

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disorder, as secondary to the veteran's service-connected low back disorder. The veteran's increased rating claim for her low back strain with intervertebral disc syndrome and radicular symptoms is also addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate notice and missing medical records. The veteran also requested a personal hearing, which is noted.

The Board denied service connection for headaches, joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue as they were not found to be related to the veteran's military service.

The veteran's claims for headaches, skin condition, hair loss, psychiatric condition, and lower extremity circulatory complaints with leg muscle cramps due to undiagnosed illness were all denied. The service-connected low back disability was granted an increased rating of 40 percent.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD is rated at 30 percent from September 27, 1995 to January 9, 1997 and at 70 percent since January 10, 1997.,PTSD disability was granted effective August 1, 2004.

The Board granted service connection for a chronic acquired disorder of the cervical spine, a chronic acquired headache disorder, and denied service connection for allergies and herpes simplex.

The veteran appealed for higher ratings in both migraine headaches and sinusitis/rhinitis, which were remanded by the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for left shoulder pain, muscle tension headaches, residuals of a lateral internal sphincterotomy for an anal fissure, and left knee disability. The evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The veteran was granted increased ratings for migraine and major depression, as well as retroactive effective dates for service connection and TDIU.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected cervical spine disability and migraine headaches, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, depression, back disability, left wrist disability, and right ankle disability. The claims of service connection for chronic headaches under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 were also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for his service-connected PTSD and post-traumatic headaches, dizziness, and insomnia. The evidence did not show occupational or social impairment warranting a higher rating.

The VA denied reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses because the care was not rendered in a medical emergency and VA facilities were available to treat the veteran's conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury, finding no new factual basis to grant it. The RO continued this denial in March 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current headaches are not due to any event or incident of service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including headaches, neck injury disorder, back injury, right arm injury, and injuries to both shoulders, are not related to his military service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic headaches, a cervical spine disability, and a low back disability. The case is being remanded to allow for further development of his low back disability claim.

The veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and development of records. The issues include increased evaluations for various service-connected disabilities, as well as a pension claim.

The veteran's service-connected migraines are rated at 30 percent, and his post traumatic osteoarthritis of the right shoulder is currently rated at 10 percent. The effective date for these ratings is not specified.

The Board found that the veteran does not have migraines or schizophrenia as a result of his military service and denied both claims.