Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Veteran's chronic headache disorder is now granted as service connected, and his increased evaluation for cervical spine disability remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability evaluation for migraines was denied by the Board. The evidence did not show that her headaches met the criteria for a higher rating, as they were not characterized by prostrating attacks occurring at least once in two months.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches, finding that the Veteran's current condition is at least in equipoise with his in-service diagnosis. Service connection for a lower extremity neurological disorder was denied due to lack of evidence supporting such a claim.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, joint pain (attributed to arthritis/degenerative joint disease and bursitis), headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's exposure in the Republic of Vietnam is presumed due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for Meniere's disease with associated hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and headaches effective from September 23, 2004. This decision is based on the Veteran filing a claim specifically for Meniere's syndrome in September 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, migraine headaches, and sleep apnea are not proximately caused by or aggravated by his service-connected mood disorder. Therefore, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's headaches have not resulted in severe economic inadaptability, and thus an increased evaluation beyond the current 30 percent is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed respiratory, left hand, thoracic spine, lumbosacral spine, and migraines disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's left hip disorder, including arthritis, is found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right knee post-operative residuals.,Service connection for head injury residuals is granted based on credible testimony and a VA examination report.

The Veteran's right knee disability characterized as lateral instability has been rated at 10 percent prior to August 13, 2010 and increased to 30 percent effective August 13, 2010.,For the period since August 13, 2010, a rating in excess of 30 percent for degenerative changes, residuals of arthrotomy of the right knee with limited extension is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected seizure disorder is found to be related to his chronic headaches, which are granted as secondary to the seizure disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic tension and headaches are not related to his service, including a head injury during service. The medical evidence does not support a finding of any relationship between the claimed disability and the Veteran's service.

The Board has remanded the claim for a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to additional development being required.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The RO should clarify his representation status and schedule him for a hearing at the earliest available opportunity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further examination and consideration of her claims, including service connection for depression.

The Board has determined that further development of the evidence is required before the claims can be adjudicated. The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are being remanded to the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches and reopened the claim of service connection for depression. The Veteran's current headache disability is found to be related to his in-service trauma, while his depression is linked to his ongoing treatment.

The Veteran's current headaches had their onset in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The other issues are pending further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's mixed-type headaches are attributable to service and grants her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The claims file must be reviewed, and an additional VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities and whether he requires aid and attendance or is housebound as a result.