Migraines & headaches decisions — 2009

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claimed disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected conditions is 60%, which does not meet the criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to show that her service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, an earlier effective date for right knee disability service connection, and earlier effective dates for migraine headaches were not met.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral pes planus, androgenic alopecia, tension headaches, nasal allergy condition (allergic rhinitis/hay fever), sinusitis, and L5-S1 disc protrusion are all denied as the conditions do not meet the criteria for service connection based on direct evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a mental disorders examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation or service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and possibly a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left shoulder disability, right ankle condition (broken right leg), back disability, transient ischemic attack, and headaches have been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, an eye disorder, a mouth disorder, a back disorder, bilateral hand disorders, and bilateral foot disorders. The January 1989 rating decision is final as it was not appealed within one year of its issuance.

The Veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on needing aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for a right elbow disorder and nonallergic rhinitis (sinus disorder), but not for the claimed bilateral knee disorders, cervical spine disorder, lumbosacral spine disorder, left hip ganglion cyst, left foot disorder, right ankle disorder, head concussion injury residuals, or vertigo.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for headaches and a right knee disability, finding that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected psychoneurosis, hysteria-type, with migraine and gastrointestinal mucocolitis is currently rated at 50 percent. The Board found that the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it only results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for hypertension with headaches, fatigue, and dizziness is being remanded due to the need for additional VA records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, fibrocystic breast disease (claimed as lumps in the breast), headaches, and anemia due to a lack of evidence showing any current disabilities or continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for migraine headaches has been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of the case.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since January 1996, reflecting the severity of his symptoms and impairment.

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected seizure disorder and migraine headaches were granted, with the seizure disorder receiving a higher initial evaluation of 40 percent effective July 26, 2004, and 20 percent effective February 1, 2005. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his migraine headaches remains pending.