Migraines & headaches decisions — 2006

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's headaches and his service, including exposure to toxic substances. The preponderance of post-service medical evidence is against a finding that the veteran's current headache disability is related to any incident of service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding records and possible service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic headache disability and residuals of sun exposure, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for a lumbar spine disability, skin condition, and headaches were denied. The lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent under the old criteria and not higher due to lack of findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The skin condition did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it affected less than 5% of exposed areas and had intermittent systemic therapy within a year. Headaches were rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum under current criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability and headaches, finding no evidence to support these claims. The skin disability was not linked to service or presumed exposure to Agent Orange. Headaches were also not found to be related to service-connected spinal meningitis.

The veteran's initial compensable evaluation for chronic cervical strain with intermittent headaches was granted prior to September 26, 2003. From that date, he is entitled to a 10 percent evaluation for this condition. His hypertension has also been rated at 10 percent since September 26, 2003.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, facial scars, and headaches. The combined evaluation of these conditions is at 70 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's sinusitis with headaches warrants a 30 percent evaluation, as it meets the criteria for such under Diagnostic Code 6513.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches, which began in service and have been present since then, meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions as a result of his service. The claims for right knee, ankle, sinus headaches, low back, undiagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome, bilateral elbow pain, bilateral shoulder pain, bilateral wrist pain, and bilateral hand pain are all denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical evidence and determine the current severity of the veteran's migraine headaches, including any absences from work due to her symptoms.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected headaches do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected low back pain with radiculopathy is rated at the highest available rating of 40 percent, while her pes planus and headaches are each rated at their maximum allowable ratings. The total disability rating for TDIU was granted.

The Board finds that the veteran's nasal allergies and sinusitis are service-connected, as they had their onset during her active duty. The other issues remain pending for further review.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a ruptured ear drum, migraine headaches, right ankle disorder, depression, residuals of right palm laceration, and ear infections. The decision also addressed other issues such as asthma, mouth surgery, and lung cyst.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed low back, sinus, and migraine conditions. The case will be returned for further action.

The veteran's appeals for higher initial evaluations for migraine headaches, gastroesophageal reflux disease with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hypertension have been dismissed as the veteran has withdrawn her appeal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and a gynecological disorder, finding that there is no evidence of such conditions during her period of active duty or any relationship to military service.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the veteran's current disabilities are secondary to his service-connected asbestosis. The RO is instructed to obtain updated VA and private treatment records, request authorization for release of all pertinent records, and arrange for further examinations by qualified physicians.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have any current disabilities of the feet, shoulders, cervical or thoracic spine, brain aneurysm, or headaches that are related to her military service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.