Migraines & headaches decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's current headache disorder, which is diagnosed as migraine or cluster headaches, did not have its onset during active service and is unrelated to any in-service disease or injury. Therefore, service connection for a headache disorder is denied.

Service connection for paroxysmal hemicrania with migraine features was granted effective August 18, 1997. TDIU rating and DEA benefits under Chapter 35 of Title 38 were also granted effective that date.,The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not allow him to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to August 18, 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's request for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical service provided on October 1, 2003 due to lack of authorization and failure to meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations.

The VA determined that the veteran's migraine headaches do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, as there is no evidence of characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD symptoms have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a 100% disability rating for the entire period of initial rating claim from March 31, 2005.

The Board denied service connection for a headache disorder.,The Board also denied entitlement to an effective date prior to June 12, 2001 for the award of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than January 7, 2003 for the grant of service connection for seizures with syncope episodes and insomnia, migraine headaches, tinnitus, and premature ventricular contractions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, lumbar spine disability, headaches, upper respiratory disability, bilateral foot disorder, and OSA. The veteran was also denied entitlement to special monthly pension on account of being housebound or in need of aid and attendance due to his disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected IBS is manifested by disturbances of bowel function with occasional episodes of abdominal distress. The VA examiner noted a September 2003 episode of diarrhea lasting three weeks during military service and the last reported episode was in October 2004, after separation from service. There are no current episodes of explosive diarrhea or constipation as described by the veteran's representative.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been incurred in service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The claims for secondary service connection of hypertension, fatigue, shortness of breath, erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, tinea pedis and tinea capitis, and headaches are also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for migraines/chronic headaches, sinusitis, and a disorder manifested by arrhythmia as there was no evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for proper VCAA notice.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent rating for post-concussive headaches, finding that the veteran's symptoms are purely subjective and do not meet criteria for a higher rating based on migraines or neurological deficits.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and thus denied his claim for TDIU.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for pes planus, low back and bilateral hip disorders, and headaches. The claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not received.

The veteran seeks reimbursement for medical expenses related to her fibromyalgia with headaches. The case is being remanded as the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728 should be considered in conjunction with the appeal.

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

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's migraine headaches, finding that his characteristic prostrating attacks occur on average once a month over several months.

The Board grants reopening of the claim for service connection for migraine headaches and remands the reopened claim for additional development.