Migraines & headaches decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a service-connected scoliosis of the thoracic spine, a psychiatric disorder including depression, or residuals of a xiphoidectomy. The low back disability, neck disability, respiratory disorder, headache disorder, and bilateral shoulder disability are also denied as not being related to her active service. Tinnitus is also denied.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination and opinion are needed due to the submission of new evidence, including MRI findings from December 2009. The Veteran's service-connected neck disability may be contributing to his current complaints of headaches.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar strain, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and migraine headaches.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen claims for service connection for depression, headaches, and a sleep disorder and fatigue. The Veteran's PTSD claim is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's migraine headaches and military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection, secondary service connection under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, and increased rating have been denied.

The Veteran seeks an increased disability evaluation for his service-connected headaches. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary, including obtaining VA treatment records from the Fayetteville and St. Louis VA medical centers related to his headaches.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a VA examination to determine if the Veteran has residuals of his in-service head injury, such as headaches and a scar.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is being remanded due to the need for further development of his service-connected disabilities' impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's tension headaches were found to have originated during service and granted service connection. The Veteran's IBS was also found to be related to service, but the current level of severity did not warrant a higher initial disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for post-operative deviated nasal septum and headaches, residuals of a head injury are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 have been denied as he no longer has a rash affecting his hands, feet, and legs.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for increased evaluations in all three issues. The Board does not have jurisdiction to consider the claim.

The Veteran withdrew the appealed issues during a hearing, and thus they are dismissed.

The Board found that the Veteran's migraine headaches are not related to his military service, including a head injury during boot camp and subsequent excision of a hemangioma. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's post-concussion headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected cephalgia, tension type headaches are currently rated at 50 percent and the claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent is granted.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals for left ankle sprain with instability and mechanical low back pain. The claim for increased evaluation for migraine headaches is denied as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating, but are currently rated at 30 percent. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, migraine headaches, residuals of heat exhaustion, and hearing loss. The Veteran did not have these conditions incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for residuals of hepatitis. However, after reviewing all available evidence, including VA treatment records, private medical records, and the Veteran's statements, the Board finds that none of the conditions claimed are related to active service or can be presumed due to exposure to certain hazards. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.