Migraines & headaches decisions — 2005

The Board denied increased ratings for the service-connected low back disability, bilateral pes planus, and headaches.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and requests for additional treatment records. The veteran's symptoms of fatigue, headaches, skin disorder of the feet, gastrointestinal disability, respiratory disability, degenerative bone disease, and elevated blood pressure are being evaluated.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for headaches, left eye conjunctivitis, and hemorrhoids have been denied as the evidence does not show that his conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's request for a higher initial rating of 50 percent for her service-connected migraine headaches was granted by the VA. The current rating is already at the maximum level.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability related to service connection for migraine headaches or memory loss. The veteran's symptoms are not shown to be due to her Gulf War service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, memory loss, and irritable bowel syndrome were denied. The VA determined that the veteran did not have a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness or due to exposure to Gulf War conditions. His irritable bowel syndrome was rated at 10% effective February 11, 2003.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, memory loss, headaches, arthralgia of the elbows and fingers/toes, as well as sleep disorder and fatigue. The appeals were based on undiagnosed illnesses related to Persian Gulf service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the current ratings for lumbosacral strain and cervical strain did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations, and there was no evidence linking his shoulder, hip, or fibromyalgia to service.

The Board granted service connection for migraine headaches, joint pain involving elbows and wrists as due to an undiagnosed illness, and dermatitis of the elbows and back as due to an undiagnosed illness. The veteran's current conditions are linked to her active military service.

The RO reduced the veteran's disability rating for headaches from 30% to noncompensable and severed service connection for memory loss. The veteran is not entitled to restoration of a 30% disability rating for headaches.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for defective hearing and found that new and material evidence has not been received. The veteran's headaches are considered part of his already service-connected sinusitis, and he is not entitled to an increased rating for sinusitis or a TDIU.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied as he is not found to be in need of such assistance.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video teleconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the Atlanta, Georgia RO. The issues include reopening his claim for bilateral pes planus and seeking service connection for various disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is required in order to comply with the duty to assist, including scheduling a new VA examination for the veteran's service-connected low back disorder and migraine headaches.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an initial compensable disability evaluation for a scar of the right parietal skull, finding that there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for headaches due to new and material evidence. However, both Cushing's disease and headaches were denied as not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed residuals of head injury, including headaches and dizziness, were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board denied reopening the claim of service connection for residuals of a head injury, including headaches, seizures, dizziness, and blurred vision. The new evidence submitted was considered insufficient to reopen the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining updated VA treatment records, scheduling an examination, adjudicating increased disability ratings claims, and readjudicating the TDIU claim.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic condition during service or within an applicable presumptive period, and there was insufficient evidence to establish continuity of symptomatology after service. The veteran's claimed disorders were not related to his military service.