Migraines & headaches decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and chronic fatigue syndrome were denied. The Veteran's service-connected residuals of meningitis, to include headaches, are currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's liver disability, hepatitis B and C, low back disability, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asbestosis, and major depressive disorder are not related to his service. The diagnoses were attributed to post-service drug use.

The Board finds that the Veteran's tension headaches are not related to his military service and therefore denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The maximum schedular rating has already been assigned for the left hand disability, and no other issues meet the criteria for higher initial ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a facial nerve disorder, headache disorder, and earache disorder have been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, headaches, and obesity are all service-connected due to exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran set foot in Vietnam during his military service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, and his bilateral DJD of the knees is not separately rated as there is no evidence of a separate service-connected condition. The effective date for this rating decision is not specified.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and thus denied all of his claims.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a scar above the left eye, chronic headaches, and a right foot disability was denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence linking the Veteran's current head and eye conditions to his military service, including any claimed injuries. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's claimed conditions of fatigue, headaches, memory loss, and muscle pain are not service-connected. Cardiovascular disorder (episodic tachycardia) and HTN were diagnosed post-service but without a clear link to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a septorhinoplasty, including loss of sense of smell, breathing problems and headaches, is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the residuals of a pelvic bone fracture, right and left knee disabilities, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lumbar spine disability, migraine headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea did not warrant higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various disorders he attributes to an adverse reaction to inoculations received during his Army Reserve service. The Board has ordered additional medical records and personnel records be obtained, as well as in-patient treatment records from the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center and Ireland Army Community Hospital.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not timely appeal the February 2004 rating decision, and thus, the claims for increased ratings are denied.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for service-connected scoliosis and headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, sleep apnea, hepatitis C, and a gastrointestinal disorder. The Board denied the remaining claims of service connection for low back, headache, sinus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current diagnoses of chronic headaches and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches were incurred in active service and grants her claim for service connection.