Migraines & headaches decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosed disability of any claimed conditions, and thus service connection cannot be granted for these issues.

The case is being remanded for additional development of the veteran's service records and treatment records from VA facilities. The issues of service connection for a low back disorder and reopening of a claim for chronic headache will be addressed after this additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a hemorrhage of the right eye, traumatic cataract of the left eye, undifferentiated somatoform disorder with headaches (previously characterized as conversion reaction), and right maxillary sinusitis with foreign body in the floor of the right nasal cavity are denied. The claim for increased rating for pharyngitis, residual of submucous resection is also denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current diagnosis of migraine is related to her in-service diagnosis and therefore service connection for migraine headaches is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's current headache disorder is not service-connected, and his back disorder was also not service-connected.,There were no findings of a head or back injury during service.

The veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are granted a 30 percent disability rating prior to July 18, 2001 and from July 18, 2001 to January 28, 2003.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, cardiac complications, severe allergic reaction, burning feet, myositis, headaches, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and diarrhea are denied as they do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under the Persian Gulf War presumption. Direct service connection is also denied.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder, as there was no verified stressor or supporting clinical evidence. The veteran's claims of other conditions are not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and migraines, significantly impair her ability to work. The Board finds that she is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to these conditions.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for lumbar strain effective April 29, 2005. The veteran's right hip strain and knee instability are rated at the maximum available under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic headache disability was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current headaches are related to his in-service head injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's appeal is remanded to determine the current severity of her service-connected migraine headaches, as the currently assigned rating does not reflect the frequency and duration of her symptoms.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for headaches and epilepsy have been denied as there is no evidence of at least one major seizure in the last two years or at least two minor seizures in the last six months, which are required for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for any of the claimed disabilities, including residuals of a head injury other than psychiatric disability and migraine headaches, residuals of a right leg injury, and residuals of a right knee injury.

The veteran's residuals of a head injury, including her migraines and cognitive/emotional impairment, have been rated at 50 percent. Additionally, she is granted a separate 50 percent rating for her headaches.

The Board has determined that the veteran's migraine headaches do not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including residuals of a contusion of the left forehead, migraine headaches, sinusitis, and injuries to the right wrist, left foot, back, neck, and nerve damage. The Board found no current disabilities related to these issues and noted that many of the claimed conditions were first diagnosed years after service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current dysrhythmic headaches first manifested in service and are related to a head injury sustained during recruit training. As such, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The veteran was granted service connection for headaches and tinea versicolor of the chest and axilla. Service connection for herniated lumbar disc and arthritis of the spine is not established.,Service connection for headaches and tinea versicolor of the chest and axilla are granted as they are diagnosed conditions that manifested during active duty.