Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to her military service in Saudi Arabia. The claim for an increased rating for a low back disability is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected paravertebral myositis required convalescence beyond September 30, 2008, and thus denied extension of his temporary total disability rating (TTR).

The Veteran's migraine headaches are considered to have started during his military service and the Board finds that they are related to his in-service treatment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a psychiatric disorder, headache disorder, sinusitis, gastroenteritis, upper back disability, and low back disability. The appeals were based on direct evidence of service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, headaches and a fixed right pupil (residuals of CVA), as well as increased ratings for his lumbar and cervical spine disabilities. The appeals are now resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's sinusitis with headaches is productive of three to six non-incapacitating episodes per year, warranting a 10 percent disability rating for the period prior to March 15, 2006.

The Veteran's chronic headache disorder had its onset in service and the Board found that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The Veteran was granted service connection for headaches. For the low back disorder, the VA examiner provided an opinion linking the current condition to service, but did not fully comply with the remand instructions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was not shown to be related to service or his service-connected migraine headaches. The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated as 30 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 8100.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic headaches is granted. The claims for back pain, skin cancer, and neck disability are denied as there was no evidence of a nexus to service. Service connection for malaria is not granted due to lack of exposure during service.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating as there is no evidence of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a neurological disorder and arthralgias/myalgias are granted, while the claim to reopen his lumbosacral strain is also granted.

The Veteran's claimed conditions of headaches, bipolar disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were not incurred or aggravated during active service. The Board found the Veteran's reported continuity of symptoms since service to be not credible.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, migraine headaches, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, and rashes were not incurred or aggravated by her military service.

The Board has granted a 30% disability rating for migraine headaches, effective May 24, 2007. The appellant's claim for a compensable evaluation prior to that date is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of a left wrist laceration do not warrant an initial schedular disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for migraines and found that the Veteran's current migraines are at least as likely as not incurred during his military service. The claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder manifested by claustrophobia is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (PTSD rated 70%, asthma rated 30%, and costochondritis and migraine headaches, each rated 0%) render him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete compliance with previous directives. The Veteran's claim will be reviewed again, including obtaining private medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, with anxiety and memory loss. The Veteran's arthritis of the hands and feet are also found to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of whether a total rating based on individual unemployment (TDIU) should be granted.