Migraines & headaches decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that a timely appeal was perfected regarding the issue of service connection for migraine headaches. However, additional development is required with respect to the underlying claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine disability, scar of the chin, and anxiety disorder were denied. The Veteran's service-connected dysthymia and anxiety disorder are rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further evidentiary development, including a VA examination and readjudication of his service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO in Atlanta, Georgia, for an appropriate hearing and further development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for migraine headaches and cervical spondylosis were granted, with the effective date set at October 28, 2003. The initial disability evaluations assigned are 30 percent for migraines and 10 percent for cervical spondylosis.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and mechanical upper back disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to their active duty service.

Since July 1, 2006, the Veteran's migraine headaches have been productive of prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over several months. The Board has determined that this warrants a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, blepharitis and pinguecula of both eyes, headaches, and a skin disorder of the feet were denied as there was no evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and records are needed to properly adjudicate the appellant's claims for service connection.

The Board finds that the veteran has current diagnoses of chronic left-sided headache, a disability manifested by left-sided nasal obstruction, and a psychiatric disorder. The claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence showing an impaired hearing disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and conduct further development.

The Veteran's arthritis of the cervical spine and residuals of a head injury including concussion and headache were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for left ear hearing loss, migraine headaches, a right ankle disability, and a left ankle disability. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board denied service connection for gastritis, migraines, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee. The Veteran's migraines were presumed to have existed prior to service and were not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and reopening of service connection claims were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating above the assigned levels or reopen any of the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 28, 2004, for the grant of service connection for headaches associated with loss of part of the skull is denied as there was no pending claim before this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left knee disorders, as well as his headaches, are not service-connected. However, the Board has also found in favor of the Veteran regarding his claim for tension headaches, finding them likely to have onset during his period of active military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a head injury, as there is no current disability related to the in-service head injury.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder is rated at 100 percent since September 28, 2000 and from June 5, 2007. The Board finds that the Veteran has chronic fatigue syndrome due to undiagnosed illness during his service in the Persian Gulf War.