Migraines & headaches decisions — 2009

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, depression, a right eye disability, and migraine headaches. The veteran's claims for increased ratings for urethral stricture, cervical strain with degenerative joint disease, hemorrhoids, and status post right elbow surgery were also denied.

The Board grants service connection for sinusitis, chronic headaches (migraine), and lumbar spine disability (degenerative disc disease and left lumbar radiculopathy) based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right epicondylitis, a rating in excess of 30 percent for migraines, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for sinusitis.

The veteran's migraine headaches warrant a higher initial rating of 30 percent prior to October 19, 2004. However, the criteria are not met for a higher 30 percent rating since October 19, 2004.

The veteran's lumbar spine lordosis does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, but her chronic adjustment disorder warrants a 30 percent rating. No compensable rating is warranted for muscle tension headaches.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no evidence of a relationship between his claimed conditions and military service.

The Board denied service connection for migraine headaches as the preponderance of evidence showed no relationship between the veteran's present headaches and his service.

The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current migraines are related to service.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for left periorbital headaches on a direct basis, but ultimately denied service connection. The Board also denied entitlement to an increased rating for patella tendonitis of the right knee.

The veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent due to very frequent, completely prostrating, prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Board granted a 50 percent rating for migraine headaches, but denied an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for seborrheic dermatitis.

The Board granted service connection for migraine headaches, resolving reasonable doubt in the veteran's favor. However, evidence did not establish that the veteran has chronic fatigue syndrome or a related sleep disorder due to an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's PTSD was granted a total disability rating beginning October 1, 2003, but not earlier. The claim for an effective date prior to February 11, 2003, for the grant of a 70 percent rating for PTSD was denied.

The veteran's right knee, left knee, right foot/ankle, chest condition, residuals of a head injury including migraine headaches, and hypertension are not related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, dysphagia/swallowing problems, depression, and sexual dysfunction as not being related to the veteran's active military service or a service-connected disability.

The veteran's initial rating for bipolar disorder was increased to 70 percent, while the ratings for migraine headaches and GERD were not changed.

The veteran's non-service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on a need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board denied service connection for multiple joint pain, a back disorder, and other claimed conditions as the evidence did not establish that any of these disabilities were related to the veteran's military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and psychiatric disorders were granted, while all other claims for service connection were denied.

The Board denied service connection for right arm and hand loss of feeling, residuals of a left ring fingernail injury, right eye blind spot, locking of the bilateral hand joints, and insomnia. However, it granted service connection for bruxism.