Migraines & headaches decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected cluster headaches with partial left Horner's syndrome are currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and an increased rating for migraines, finding that there was not enough evidence to support a grant of either claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right great toe pain and headaches were not addressed. The VA denied the initial disability ratings in excess of 20 percent for osteochondritis dissecans of the left ankle prior to August 25, 2005, and granted a 20 percent rating for the right ankle after that date.

The VA has granted service connection for a fracture of the right thumb and headaches (migraines), but denied service connection for hepatitis C and psoriasis. The veteran's current diagnoses are considered to be related to his in-service trauma, though there is no direct evidence linking hepatitis C to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, tinea cruris, and migraine headaches due to a lack of competent medical evidence showing current diagnoses or a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, finding no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptoms since the veteran's active duty.

The Board has granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the veteran's depressive disorder, effective from the date of the grant of service connection. The right ankle disability and post-traumatic headaches are rated as noncompensable.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus Type II and hypertension, but reopened the claims based on new evidence. The veteran's conditions are presumed to have been incurred due to his service in the Gulf War.,The Board found no relationship between the veteran's migraine headaches, muscle spasms, inflammation of the substernum, nerve condition, and gastritis with his period of service or any known clinical diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current diagnosis of migraine headaches is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, low back disability, and headaches. The veteran's claims were not supported by medical evidence showing current disabilities or linking them to his military service.,There is no credible evidence of any in-service injury or illness related to the claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be issued on the merits of the veteran's claims for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and headaches, including as secondary to tinnitus, were denied. The veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 40 percent since June 7, 1978.

The Board found that the veteran's headache disorder likely pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service. Service connection for a headache disorder is denied, but service connection for photophobia is also denied as there is no evidence of such condition during service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, Type II; headaches; diarrhea; lack of energy; muscle aches; urinary frequency (frequent urination); bone deterioration; and low back pain are denied as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The hearing loss claim was also denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for migraine headaches and a prostate disorder, finding that he is not entitled to an initial separate 10 percent rating for tinnitus in each ear due to the maximum schedular rating already assigned. The issue of a higher rating for migraine headaches remains pending.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence and a request for a hearing. The case will be reviewed by the RO before further action can be taken.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his cervical spine injury and tension-vascular headaches, as well as service connection for right hip bursitis and tinnitus. The RO had previously granted service connection for these conditions but did not assign a higher evaluation.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is evaluated as noncompensable (0 percent disabling). The right ear scar is currently rated at 30 percent. Headaches are rated as 10 percent disabling from April 14, 2003 to March 28, 2006 and as 10 percent thereafter. Generalized anxiety disorder is rated as 30 percent disabling.,The veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected tension headaches, finding that his disability picture most closely approximates characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months.

The veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.