Migraines & headaches decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for cervical spondylosis and headaches, as well as his claim for service connection for a right arm condition, were denied. The veteran does not have diagnosed right shoulder pathology.

The VA has determined that the veteran does not have any ascertainable chronic residuals of his 1996 lacunar infarct, and therefore denies an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a lacunar infarction since May 1, 1997.

The veteran's service-connected cervical strain has been manifested by mild limitation of motion, and the RO granted a 10 percent evaluation for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for chronic female problems, claimed as status-post hysterectomy, chronic bladder problems, urinary frequency and stress incontinence; residuals of a head injury to include headaches; and sinusitis. The appellant's claims were not supported by evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during her military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA examinations and reviewing additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and a higher evaluation for his migraine headaches. The veteran was not granted service connection due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors, and his headache disability was rated at 30%.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including vestibular dysfunction, headaches, and major depression, were not incurred in service or related to any service-connected disability. The appeals for these issues have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing they were incurred during active duty or training.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating for the service-connected lumbar spine disability. The issue of an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected headaches is remanded to obtain additional medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's statements regarding in-service stressors have been corroborated by independent evidence. The other claims related to glaucoma, migraine headaches, degenerative changes of the right knee, and abrasions on the right knee are dismissed as the veteran withdrew his appeal.

The veteran's death was caused by a service-connected closed head injury with headaches, which contributed to his depression and suicide.

The veteran's hypertension is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The veteran's chronic sinusitis is currently rated as non-compensably disabling, but meets the criteria for a 10 percent rating based on four episodes per year of headaches and pain.

The veteran's claims for headaches, right shin disorder, and right leg disorder have been denied as there is no current diagnosis linking these conditions to service.,No new evidence or a reopened claim was presented.

The Board denied an increased rating for posttraumatic headaches from January 1, 1999, as the evidence did not show very frequent, completely prostrating, and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence related to the veteran's claims of service connection for headaches, Hepatitis C, low back disability, and respiratory disability.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's bilateral pes planus and found that he did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The issues of service connection for headaches secondary to a head injury were also addressed, but are referred to the RO for further action.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches as secondary to a cervical spine injury, with an initial rating of 10 percent.