Migraines & headaches decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, hypertension, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorder, stomach ulcers, and other stomach conditions were denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The Board found that the veteran did not have a verified in-service stressor for PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for multiple joint pain, headaches, an acquired psychiatric disorder, weight loss, and sleeplessness. The appeals were based on presumptive service connection due to undiagnosed illnesses related to service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for headaches, but denied service connection for vertigo, tinnitus, and brain injury.

The Board has granted service connection for fatigue due to undiagnosed illness and denied all other claims. The veteran's other conditions are not considered service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under the VCAA.

The case is REMANDED to the RO for compliance with VCAA requirements and for additional development of evidence related to service connection claims.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic headaches, finding that the veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not due to an in-service head injury. The claim for bilateral hearing loss was remanded and will be addressed by the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic headaches do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, and his left toes disability does not have a motor component affecting standing or walking.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining missing service medical records and providing the veteran with a VA examination to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and migraine headaches, finding that these conditions are related to the veteran's military service.

The VA has granted service connection for post-traumatic headaches but denied service connection for migraine headaches. The veteran is currently rated at 10% for post-traumatic headaches.

The veteran's claim for service connection for chronic disability of the eyes as due to tear gas exposure was denied because there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to his current vision problems. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed low back, neck, groin skin, chest pain/bronchitis, and headache disorders are not related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a low back disorder, upper respiratory infection with headaches, or nasal septal deformity that were incurred in or aggravated by service. The appeals for these issues are denied.

The Board has granted a 50 percent evaluation for the veteran's migraines since September 8, 2000. Before that date, the veteran was rated at 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records of a vehicle accident and physical examinations from General Dynamics Electrical. The veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine if his current cervical spine disorder and headaches are related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the evidence currently of record is sufficient to substantiate the veteran's claim to reopen a claim for service connection for low back disability. The veteran's service medical records show treatment for back pain in service, but no current disability was found at discharge. New evidence submitted since the 1998 decision includes VA and private treatment records indicating ongoing back issues. The Board finds that this new evidence is significant enough to warrant reopening the claim.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hepatitis B is granted. The Board finds that the veteran has a current diagnosis of hepatitis B which was initially incurred during active military service.

The veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent effective October 15, 1997. The varicose veins of the right and left lower extremities are each rated at 10 percent from January 21, 2004.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of records.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and hypertension, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to her period of active duty. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a hernia was withdrawn by the veteran.