Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of the medical evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches are attributed to a known clinical diagnosis of tension-type/muscle-contraction headaches. The claim for increased evaluations for his colitis and migratory arthritis is denied as the evidence does not support higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a search of the Veteran's service records and exposure to chemical and biological agents at Dugway Proving Grounds. Additional medical opinions are also needed regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including contacting National Guard units and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of service connection for depression and headaches are inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claims regarding the reopening of service connection for residuals of a back injury, migraine headaches, and schizoaffective disorder or schizophrenia are being remanded due to incomplete records and procedural issues.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and his lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule him for VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for headaches, a right shoulder disorder, and a left knee disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not ready for appellate review and requires additional development.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and related secondary claims, including alcohol abuse disorder, gastrointestinal disability, and headaches. The decision was based on the absence of a verified in-service stressor.

The Veteran's headaches, which were previously rated at 10 percent since October 15, 2001, are now rated at 30 percent effective July 29, 2010. The Board found that the headaches meet the criteria for a 30 percent rating due to their frequency and severity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied due to lack of a current diagnosis. His combined disability rating remains at 80%.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to obtain VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sinusitis and headaches are related to his service-connected asthma.,Service connection for hypertension is not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, rhinitis (claimed as sinusitis and nasal polyps), and tension headaches (claimed as migraine headaches) are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disability and migraine cephalgia, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to her active duty service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraine headaches are productive of characteristic prostrating attacks occurring on an average of once a month over the last several months, warranting a 30% rating from January 20, 2011. Prior to this date, the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for clarification of the Veteran's request. The claim will be reconsidered after additional information is obtained.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of active ulcer disease or hemorrhoids, and the Veteran's headaches and tumor in the head did not manifest during service or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of head injury with concussion, neck problems, headaches, and dizziness is granted due to a finding of service incurrence.