Migraines & headaches decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for a headache disorder and a respiratory disorder claimed as sinusitis. However, the claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder claimed as allergic rhinitis remains denied. The right foot disorder and left heel spur syndrome are also addressed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, a skin condition, muscle twitching and pain, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and loss of teeth as due to an undiagnosed illness related to his service in the Persian Gulf War.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected migraine headaches is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence from his VA Medical Center records.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was not caused by carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill on the part of VA in providing surgical treatment. The increased disability rating for tension headaches is also denied as there is no evidence of marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted. The other issues regarding migraine headaches, pes planus, and a back condition are also addressed.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection of headaches secondary to her service-connected anemia disorder. The evaluation for her anemia is maintained at 30 percent, effective January 30, 2002.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for updated medical examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his time in service. The headaches are considered a residual of a head injury during service but the VA examiner found insufficient evidence to link this condition directly to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the veteran's insomnia, right-sided paralysis, and headaches could not be separately evaluated as they overlapped with his PTSD. His right knee disability was also denied due to lack of evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's migraine disorder and major depression are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right eye disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for a headscarf injury and alcohol abuse, but denied service connection for headaches and mental disorders. The scar was directly related to the veteran's in-service injury. Service connection for the other conditions is not established as they are not shown to be related to his active duty.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's tension headaches do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, as they are not considered to be prostrating and do not cause significant impairment in his ability to work.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine and headaches, finding that they were not related to service-connected myositis. The veteran's myositis was granted a 10% evaluation.

The veteran's chronic headaches are found to be related to his service-connected low back disability. The wound infection with positive staphylococcus is not considered a current disability.

The Board found that the veteran's residuals of a concussion, including vertigo and headaches, were incurred in service during combat. Service connection was granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including psychoneurosis, anxiety with headaches, and residuals of frozen feet, render him unemployable.

The veteran was granted an initial 50 percent rating for headaches, effective June 12, 2001. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, heart palpitations with left-sided chest pain, lumbosacral strain, sinusitis, left ear hearing loss, left fifth finger, tendonitis of the right knee, and migraine headaches.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder, headaches, and spina bifida as there was no evidence of current disabilities. The skin condition claim is remanded.