Migraines & headaches decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a head trauma with headaches and nosebleeds are now rated at 50 percent effective December 18, 2001. Prior to that date, the evidence did not show prostrating attacks.

The Veteran's dysphagia, headaches with numbness and tingling of the head, and vertigo are all found to be related to his service-connected right parotid adenocarcinoma treatment.

The Veteran's cognitive disorder (postconcussion syndrome) is found to be a residual of head injury in service, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's claimed headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology from service to present.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and reconstructing service medical records.

The Veteran's tinnitus was found to be related to her military service, and she is granted service connection for this condition. The issue of an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left foot plantar fasciitis remains pending as the Veteran wishes to withdraw her appeal on other issues.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to assess her ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment given her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, effective July 6, 2007. The Board found that the Veteran had characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the previous several months.

The Veteran's service connection claim for migraine headaches is granted as the Board finds it more likely than not that his chronic migraines were first manifest during active duty and have continued since then.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and a separate rating for dementia related to post concussion syndrome with headaches is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disorders, lumbar sprain, recurrent kidney stones, and headaches. The Veteran was granted an initial compensable rating of 10 percent for headaches effective June 26, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his left tibia and fibula fractures residuals was denied. The RO found that the current level of disability did not meet or approximate a higher rating. Service connection claims for migraine headaches, memory loss, and tuberculosis were also denied as there is no evidence of active disease.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 30% disability rating effective October 21, 2006. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD is also granted.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims regarding CUE in the May 16, 1989 decision that denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus with headaches. The issues were related to improper interpretation of medical evidence and failure to assign separate ratings.

The Veteran's increased ratings for right epididymal mass and headaches due to Bell's palsy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, back injury, tinnitus, tension headaches, and swelling of legs, ankles, and feet. The evidence submitted did not meet the criteria to reopen any previously denied claims.

The Veteran's current residuals from his in-service head injury consist of subjective complaints such as headaches and difficulty concentrating. The Board found that these symptoms do not warrant a rating higher than the currently assigned 10 percent for residuals of head trauma.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for cervical spine disability, thoracic spine disability (discogenic disease), trapezius muscle disability, and migraine headaches as the result of provision of training and rehabilitation services provided or authorized by VA under 38 U.S.C. chapter 31 have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions began in or were made worse by military service.