Migraines & headaches decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches are currently rated at 10 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The VA examiner found that the Veteran experienced characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on average once a month over several months.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current migraine headaches are causally related to his in-service headache symptoms, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral foot condition and headaches and dizziness, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or aggravation, and that any pre-existing conditions were not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is not productive of a disability picture consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve.,The Veteran's service-connected residuals of laminectomy, scar are not considered unstable or manifested by pain on examination; nor is there any limitation of motion.,The Veteran's service-connected residuals of right inguinal hernia are not productive of a recurrent, readily reducible hernia that is well supported by truss or belt.,The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder calcific tendonitis with minimal arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is manifested by complaints of pain and some limited range of motion, but without limitation to shoulder level or evidence of ankylosis.,Prior to July 14, 2008, the Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease, L4-L5 spondylostenosis, fusion L5 to S1 is manifested by subjective complaints of pain and objective findings of limitation of motion, but not forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less; ankylosis; or incapacitating episodes of at least four weeks over the past 12 months. From July 14, 2008, the Veteran's service-connected lumbar disc disease is manifested by subjective complaints of pain and objective findings of decreased limitation of motion, but not ankylosis, or incapacitating episodes of at least six weeks.,The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are mild or moderate with excessive redundant tissue, but are not thrombotic or irreducible; and there are no objecting findings of persistent bleeding, anemia or fissures.,The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability with resection of the clavicle is manifested by complaints of pain and limited range of motion, but without limitation to midway between side and shoulder level or evidence of ankylosis.,The Veteran's service-connected greater occipital neuralgia with headaches is manifested by subjective complaints of headaches, but without evidence of prostrating attacks or moderate incomplete paralysis of the seventh (facial) cranial nerve.

The Veteran's claimed conditions of multiple joint pain, chest pain and headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board found no objective indications or otherwise independently verifiable indicators of these conditions due to an undiagnosed illness or a medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and medical opinions to address the etiology of his claimed conditions and their relationship to service or other disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, a sleep condition, PTSD, major depressive disorder, headaches, and right CTS secondary to left CTS. The decision also addressed an increased rating claim for left wrist tendonitis/CTS.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated as 10 percent disabling since April 29, 2010.,Prior to April 29, 2010, the Veteran's right shoulder disorder status post Bankhart procedure was rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing head injuries and headaches did not increase in severity during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disability and hypertension were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of chronic conditions, and the evidence did not establish in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a new VA examination to assess his current migraine headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to an initial compensable rating for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism and constipation are rated at 30 percent prior to April 8, 2009, and the RO has denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for her fatigue and headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of PTSD, and the other conditions were not shown to be related to service or any presumptive exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected vascular headaches are rated based on the criteria in place, and a higher rating is not warranted under these circumstances. The Board denied an extraschedular evaluation for his vascular headaches.

The Board finds that the Veteran's headaches, cervical spine disability involving a herniated disc at C-6, and right shoulder disorder were incurred in service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected muscle tension headaches are manifested by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability at all times during the pendency, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board found that the overpayment of compensation benefits due to a change in marital status was properly created, and denied the Veteran's claim.