Migraines & headaches decisions — 2008

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling examinations to assess the veteran's service-connected disabilities. The claims for increased evaluations, special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance need, and secondary service connection will be held in abeyance pending completion of these actions.

The veteran's sinusitis with rhinitis was granted an initial rating of 30 percent, effective from February 1, 2004. Her migraines and hypothyroidism were not addressed as the appeal is limited to her sinus condition.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU due to incomplete development of records, including VA treatment records and SSA disability benefit redeterminations. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The veteran's increased ratings for recurrent kidney stones and headaches were granted, while his rating for hemorrhoids was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's current headaches are not related to service and do not meet the criteria for secondary service connection due to a service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for residuals of a fracture of the left 4th and 5th ribs, as well as his claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of a concussion. The veteran is not entitled to any compensable ratings for these conditions based on the evidence of record.

The Board has ordered additional development due to outstanding medical records and service personnel records.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have residuals of trauma to the right eye, migraine headaches, or recurrent prostatitis as a result of his active service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that service connection for the February 2003 low back epidural injection is not warranted due to it being a non-service-connected condition. The issues of evaluation of migraine headaches, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with complaints of sciatica, entitlement to TDIU, and nonservice-connected pension are remanded.

The veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable due to their severity.

The veteran's chronic muscle tension headaches are rated at 30 percent, while his neuritis of the fifth cranial nerve (residual of gunshot wound) is rated at its maximum of 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, headaches, a left shoulder disorder, a gynecological disorder, urticaria, and panic disorder with agoraphobia. The evidence did not establish current diagnoses or show these conditions were incurred in service.

The veteran's cervical headaches are rated as 10 percent disabling. The case is REMANDED for a VA examination to determine the severity and frequency of the veteran's cervical headaches, and for readjudication of his TDIU claim.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 10 percent for migraine headaches and a non-compensable evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder. The veteran's PTSD is not rated higher due to the lack of evidence showing severe economic inadaptability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule VA examinations for his claimed conditions. The claims will be adjudicated again after the necessary development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these previously denied claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing right knee injury was aggravated by active service, and thus grants service connection for a right knee injury. The hearing loss and migraine headaches are being remanded for further development.

The veteran's migraines are manifested by prostrating attacks of aura and throbbing pain lasting eight to fourteen hours, occurring three to four times a month. The Board has determined that the criteria for a schedular evaluation of 50 percent for migraines have been met.

The Board found that the veteran's current conditions, including headaches, chronic residuals of a fracture of the skull, groin rash, and gastrointestinal disability, are not related to service or herbicide exposure. As such, service connection was denied for all issues.