Migraines & headaches decisions — 2007

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's vasovagal syncope and associated headaches do not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the veteran's headaches and any related conditions such as dementia.

The veteran's initial ratings for asthmatic bronchitis, low back strain, residuals of head trauma (manifested by a tender scar and headaches), fracture of the right fifth metacarpal, and tinea pedis with bilateral onychomycosis have been denied.,No specific rating has been assigned for sinusitis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected vascular headaches on his ability to work. The case will also be reviewed to determine if there has been marked interference with employment or an inability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and other applicable laws, regulations, and case law.

The veteran's service connection claims for chronic headaches, left knee disability, Grave's disease, hypertension, and bilateral pes planus with right hallux deformity were granted. The initial ratings assigned are 20 percent for the left knee, 10 percent for Graves' disease, no rating for hypertension (as it is controlled by medication), and a compensable rating for bilateral pes planus and right hallux valgus.

The veteran's service does not meet the threshold eligibility requirements for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to lack of qualifying service. The claims for service connection for low back disorder, left knee strain, and migraine headaches with blackouts are denied as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches and dizziness disorder are not related to his service, including an in-service head injury. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for migraines as the evidence does not show prostrating attacks.

The Board has determined that the veteran's headaches were not caused by his active military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right heel stress fracture, left heel stress fracture, sinusitis, PTSD, mood disorder not otherwise specified (claimed as depression), and back condition. The decision also noted that a VA examination of the feet was scheduled but the veteran did not appear.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for sinusitis with headaches and residuals of a left ankle injury are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. Additional VA examinations will be conducted, and the case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are denied. The VA examinations will be scheduled to address his hypertension, right knee disability, and bilateral foot disorder.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, headaches, and residuals of head injury as there is no current diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and an initial compensable evaluation for recurrent urinary tract infections. The RO will obtain any outstanding treatment records, including those from 2005 and 2006, and provide the veteran with a VA examination in neurology if necessary.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to reopening service connection claims and determining whether a cervical spine disorder is service-connected. Additional evidence, including Social Security Administration records, must be obtained, and the veteran should be provided with proper notice under 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103(a) and 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(b).

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and providing the veteran with new VA examinations for PTSD and migraine headaches.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been withdrawn.