Migraines & headaches decisions — 2010

The Veteran's headaches, arthritis of the spine, and bilateral hearing loss are all found to be related to service. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are denied. The Veteran has been granted service connection for tinnitus, but the maximum disability rating is already assigned.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for her migraine headaches was granted, but the RO reduced the initial rating from 30% to 20%, based on an isolated report of monthly headaches during her second period of active duty. The Board disagrees with this reduction and finds that the evidence does not support reducing the initial rating.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for an increased rating for left ear hearing loss and the claim to reopen a claim for service connection for blurred vision/refractive error. The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo and headaches, as residuals of a head injury in service, is reopened due to new evidence presented.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining a clarifying medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any cervical spine disorder and headaches that may be present. The issue of service connection for headaches is inextricably intertwined with the cervical spine claim.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated as 50 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100. The Veteran was also granted service connection for a traumatic brain injury and TDIU.

The Board has determined that asthma and migraine headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the lack of adequate objective and subjective evidence to rate his service-connected headache disability. The case will be reviewed again after additional development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, migraines (secondary to undiagnosed illness), and a skin disability (xerosis). The other issues are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current seizure disorder with headaches is incurred in or aggravated by service, and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, a skin condition, and a stomach condition due to reopening of the claims based on new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches and obstructive sleep apnea are not related to her service-connected sarcoidosis.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are manifested by very frequent, completely prostrating attacks that result in severe economic inadaptability. The Board has determined a rating of 50 percent is warranted for the Veteran's migraine headaches.

The Board found that the Veteran's headaches are not related to his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability and denied the claim.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable colon syndrome and chronic headaches, both claimed as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, headaches (cluster), and peripheral neuropathy were denied as they are not service-connected based on direct evidence or presumptive exposure to herbicide agents. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current disability of these conditions and there was no credible evidence linking them to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased evaluations of his service-connected migraine headaches and PTSD, as well as TDIU, was withdrawn by the Veteran in August 2010. The case is being remanded for additional development regarding the Veteran's PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to determine the nature of his hearing loss, sinusitis, headaches, and any potential secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and retrieval of relevant treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing at the address provided on his clarification of Board hearing request form.