Migraines & headaches decisions — 2006

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disorders (other than PTSD), low back and cervical spine conditions, and headaches. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a nexus to service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the January 1974 rating decision denying service connection for migraine headaches. The evidence then of record did not show CUE.

The veteran's claims for service connection are all granted, with the exception of hypercholesterolemia and tension headaches which are secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable rating for his hearing loss, low back condition, sinusitis, and headaches. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to lack of in-service injury or disease.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support service connection for chronic headaches, bilateral hearing loss, or scars of the left rib cage. The veteran's claims were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, residuals of head injury (including headaches), and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD. The appeals were not about service connection at all.

The Board has determined that the appeal is remanded due to insufficient VCAA notice and development, particularly regarding the character of discharge for benefits and service connection for PTSD, sinus disorder, and headache disorders.

The veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that there is no evidence of characteristic prostrating attacks averaging once per month over the last several months. Therefore, the claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims for service connection for headaches, back pain, and pes planus. Therefore, these claims remain denied.

The veteran's service connection claims for migraine headaches and low back disorder are both granted. The Board finds that the veteran likely has a current diagnosis of migraine headaches, which is related to her active duty service. For the low back disorder, additional development is needed as the X-ray studies have not been associated with the claims folder.

The Board denied service connection for a sinus disorder and granted increased ratings for PTSD and headaches, but denied the request to reopen the claim for service connection of a back disorder. The veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and her headaches are rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected hypertension was denied due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's ocular migraines do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, as there is no evidence of prostrating attacks.

The VA has determined that the veteran's headaches do not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating as they are not characterized by prostrating attacks.

The veteran is seeking to reopen his claims for service connection for various undiagnosed illness symptoms, including muscle and joint pain, headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, shortness of breath, and malaise. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be made.

The veteran's initial claim for higher evaluation of post-traumatic headaches was denied, but his effective date for service connection of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was granted as August 29, 1996.

The veteran is seeking service connection for headaches and knee/arm pain, which he attributes to his military service in the Persian Gulf. The Board has remanded the case for further development.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, all claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure during service, were denied because there was no credible evidence of the occurrence of the alleged stressors or diseases.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, headaches, and a low back disorder, all claimed as secondary to exposure to Agent Orange. The appeals were based on presumptive service connection.

The Board denied service connection for headaches and denied increased ratings for scars on the right arm, left leg, and right thigh. The veteran's headaches were not found to be related to service due to lack of objective findings or diagnoses in service records.