Migraines & headaches decisions — 2007

The veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating for very frequent and completely prostrating attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board denied service connection for headaches and dizziness as due to undiagnosed illness or other qualifying chronic disability, but granted a 50 percent rating for PTSD effective November 29, 2005. The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the PTSD rating was also denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a fractured left ulna and concussion headaches with anxiety neurosis, finding that the current evaluations are appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing headaches and memory loss aggravated during service, granting his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral vision disability, sinus disability, elbow disability, headache disorder, insomnia, and fatigue. The evidence did not support the presence of these disabilities in service or due to an undiagnosed illness related to Gulf War service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis and degenerative joint disease, bilateral hallux valgus, migraines, low back pain, gastrointestinal condition, pelvic inflammatory disease, herpes, and depression. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and her military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The case will be returned to the Board after any necessary actions are taken.

The Board has granted service connection for depression as secondary to a service-connected disability, right upper extremity psychogenic pain disorder due to sciatica, left knee quadriceps tendonitis, and migraine headaches.

The veteran's service-connected headache disorder, including migraines associated with residuals of a neck injury, is rated at 30 percent. The Board finds the evidence supports an increase to 50 percent.

The veteran's claim for PTSD was denied as there is no evidence of a verified stressor, and the VA examiner found that he does not have PTSD.,Prior to December 20, 2006, the veteran's cervical strain did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent. As of December 20, 2006, his cervical strain met the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation.,The veteran's migraine headaches were found to not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.,The veteran's adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety was also found to not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran is seeking service connection for headaches, which he claims are secondary to his service-connected melioidosis and post-traumatic stress disorder. The Board finds that the RO should schedule the veteran for an additional examination in order to clarify whether the veteran's headaches are a separate chronic condition or merely a symptom of PTSD, and what the relationship is, if any, between his current headaches and his service-connected PTSD.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, anxiety, muscle pain, joint pain, asthma (claimed as fatigue), skin condition, sleep disturbance, and upper respiratory disorder are all denied. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional medical examinations to determine if the veteran's headaches and blood disease are related to service, including potential exposure in Southwest Asia. The veteran is also asked to report for a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for residuals of shell fragment wound, left temple, headaches and seizures. The VA is required to seek additional records and conduct examinations to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for multiple joint pain and headaches, finding no evidence of a nexus to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board finds that the appellant's discharge from service was dishonorable, thus he is not a veteran for VA compensation purposes. As such, his entitlement to VA compensation benefits is barred as a matter of law.

The Board found that the veteran's ear disability and head injury residuals did not occur in service, and thus denied her claims for service connection.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected chronic headache disorder. The case has been remanded to the RO/AMC for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Strehlow and conducting any necessary examinations.

The veteran's compensation benefits were granted for service-connected migraine headaches and essential hypertension. The appellant is seeking apportionment of these benefits on behalf of her minor children.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, but these claims have been denied on their merits.