Migraines & headaches decisions — 2010

The Veteran's headaches are found to be secondary to his service-connected tinnitus, and the claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by chronic fatigue syndrome, tinea pedis, chest and cardiovascular symptoms, bronchitis and pharyngitis (claimed as ear, nose, and throat problems), headaches, or sensitivity to bright light due to disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service.,The Veteran's currently diagnosed tension headaches are not related to service origin. The atypical chest pain is considered a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness that was incurred in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including rotator cuff tear of the left shoulder, right shoulder disorder, left and right ankle disorders, left and right knee disorders, arteriosclerotic heart disease (ASHD), hypertension, and a neurological disorder (headaches) have all been denied. The Board found that none of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for migraine headaches, but also noted that the Veteran's pre-existing condition of frequent or severe headaches likely began before service. The decision is considered mixed as it addressed both the issue of reopening the claim (new and material) and the underlying merits of the claim (service connection).

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for deviated nasal septum and granted it. The other issues were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Veteran was granted a non-compensable evaluation for his hearing loss in the right ear, but his claim for an initial compensable rating for his hearing loss in the left ear remains denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by active service and are not due to, the result of, or aggravated by a service-connected disability. The claim for reopening the jaw condition was also denied as no new and material evidence had been received.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for chronic migraine headaches in December 2004 was not based on clear and unmistakable error, thus restoring service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence indicating a causal relationship between the Veteran's claimed conditions and his active service, leading to denial of all claims.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are rated at 40 percent effective October 23, 2008. His cervical spine disc disease is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and left testicle disability, finding that these conditions had their onset in service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied service connection claims for joint pain, left ankle disability, headaches, acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD (nervous condition), seizure disorder, and disability manifested by weight loss. However, these claims remain denied as they are not related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for headache syndrome, finding that the Veteran's headaches began during active duty and have continued since then. The decision is based on continuity of symptomatology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral arm disorder, bilateral knee disorder, floaters in eyes, breathing trouble, ulcer, erectile dysfunction, headaches, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and PTSD. The Board found that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's current headaches with vertigo, disorientation, and syncope are not considered to be related to his service or a TBI incurred in service. The Board found that the evidence did not show an organic disease of the nervous system within one year of separation from service, nor could it establish continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a headache disability was dismissed as the Board does not have jurisdiction over this issue due to lack of a filed claim or indication of intent.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder, headaches, and bilateral knee disorders due to lack of evidence of current disabilities or medical nexus.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), residuals of a broken right ankle, hypertension, and headaches. The evidence submitted by the Veteran is considered new and material, raising a reasonable possibility that these claims may be substantiated.

The Veteran's migraine/postconcussive headaches warrant staged ratings of 10 percent prior to September 4, 2007; 50 percent from September 4, 2007 to December 19, 2008; and 10 percent from December 19, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (migraine headaches, major depression with fatigue, degenerative changes to the knees, tinnitus, Hepatitis C, and a plantar wart on the right foot) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted his claim for TDIU.