Migraines & headaches decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for migraine headaches with dizziness, formerly claimed as Meniere's Disease, was denied by the RO. The maximum benefit of a noncompensable rating has not been granted.

The veteran's headaches were initially rated noncompensable and increased to a 10 percent rating after February 19, 2001. The right foot disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to May 18, 1998, and then increased to 20 percent effective February 19, 2001. After May 18, 1998, the veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spurs was rated as one disability under DC 5276, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (to include PTSD) and a migraine headache condition, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions were related to her military service.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable rating for his left ring finger fracture residuals, post-operative left wrist disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and chronic headaches.

The veteran is seeking to establish service connection for headaches, which he claims are related to a head injury sustained during his military service. The Board has decided that additional development is needed and the case is being remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic scoliosis and tension headaches, as well as his requests for increased ratings for carpal tunnel syndrome and laser retinoplasty. The veteran was not granted any new or higher ratings.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records from VA facilities in Chicago. The issues of service connection and initial evaluations for his wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claim that his VA surgical treatment in January 2001 caused him to develop chronic headaches, and denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence and missing post-service treatment records related to head trauma. The veteran's claim for service connection for chronic headaches is being reviewed.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current migraine headaches are related to his military service, including an injury in March 1957. The veteran will be provided with another opportunity to respond after the examination results.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining evidence related to in-service stressors and PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, left ear hearing loss, hiatal hernia with Barrett's esophagus, and facial and neck scarring. The preponderance of evidence did not support higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's migraine headaches are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected shrapnel wounds of the left side of his head, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's headaches are found to be aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability. Service connection is granted for the status-post bunionectomy, with surgical scar, hallux valgus, and plantar fasciitis of each foot. The initial compensable ratings for these conditions remain unchanged. Higher initial disability ratings for instability of the right knee and limitation of flexion and traumatic arthritis are denied.

The Board found that the veteran likely has degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine attributable to his military service, and denied service connection for arthritis of the cervical spine and headaches.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed disabilities, finding that they were not related to his military service or exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability of the left ear, headaches, or chest pain. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

The veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship between his service-connected shell fragment wounds and current headaches, vision problems, and hearing loss. The veteran must be provided updated Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) notice.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension, claimed as heart disease, cerebrovascular hemorrhage, deviated nasal septum, and residuals of a head injury with headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The left ankle sprain did not result in any chronic residuals.

The veteran's claim of entitlement to a higher rating for his service-connected conversion reaction, which now includes headaches, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.