Migraines & headaches decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic costochondritis, prostatitis, a left knee disability, and a dental disability are denied. The veteran's claim for service connection for Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome is granted. His claim for service connection for chronic urinary tract infections is granted. His claim for increased initial rating for post-traumatic headaches is denied. His claim for increased initial rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is granted. His claim for a compensable rating for chronic rhinitis is denied.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for residual of shrapnel wound, scalp and a condition manifested by headaches and forgetfulness due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease. The claim for service connection for PTB and asthma was also denied as there is no medical nexus between these conditions and military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including a VA neurology examination to determine the nature and severity of his cervical spine disability.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for headaches beyond 10 percent from November 1994 to September 15, 2000, and denied an initial evaluation greater than 30 percent thereafter.,Service connection was also denied for skin disorder, joint pain of shoulders and knees, upper lumbar spine disorder, and nervous condition. The Board noted that the veteran's claims were not related to service or undiagnosed illnesses.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or headaches to his service. The veteran's claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current back and headache conditions are not related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has granted service connection for sinus headaches, finding that the veteran's sinus headaches began during service. The other issues regarding cervical radiculopathy and low back disorder with right leg numbness are remanded.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues on appeal, including service connection claims and evaluations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including headaches, left knee disorder, right heel disorder, left hip disorder, dizziness or fainting spells, eye disorder, ear disorder, respiratory disorder, heart disorder, leg cramps, weight gain and loss, foot disorder, and psychiatric disorders. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to active service for any of these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's headaches, dizziness, and neck pain were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board also noted that degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine was not shown to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and the need for additional VA examinations. The veteran's claims of service connection for headaches, a cervical spine disorder, and a sleep disorder are being reviewed.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his exposure to trioctyl phosphate during service and denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's migraines are rated at the highest level of disability provided by VA regulations, and his claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for herpes and migraine headaches due to incomplete medical records, lack of a nexus opinion, and need for further examination.

The Board found that the veteran's headaches, which are rated under DC 8100, meet the criteria for a 30 percent rating due to their frequency and severity. The Board denied a higher rating as the attacks were not productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to a lack of recent VA examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for a left wrist condition, and determined that headaches did not result from military service.

The Board has granted an increased initial rating of 30 percent for migraine headaches, effective from the date of the May 2004 rating decision. The other issues remain pending and will be addressed in a separate remand.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for migraine headaches, chronic cervicodorsal sprain, and chronic lumbosacral sprain. The claim for an initial evaluation of service-connected bipolar disorder type II in excess of 10 percent is remanded.