Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Board is remanding the claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders, left and right shoulder disorders, headaches, vertigo, and hearing loss to the RO via the AMC for further development before readjudicating these claims on their underlying merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not sustain a traumatic brain injury during service and that his current headaches are less likely related to service. As such, service connection for both conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected schizophrenic reaction associated with headaches is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA neuropsychiatric examination and consideration of whether the Veteran's headaches are part of his schizophrenia or a separate disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current headache disorder did not manifest during service and is not related to his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for a headache disorder is denied.

The Veteran's headaches have been rated as 'mixed' (including migraine) since January 31, 2005. The Board has determined that the criteria for a higher rating are met from July 14, 2008 onwards.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, including as secondary to tinnitus and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The case is now pending with instructions to obtain VA medical records, provide a new opinion from the March 2010 examiner or another physician if necessary, and readjudicate the claim.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at the highest possible rating of 50 percent, reflecting very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, left wrist neuropathy, and right wrist neuropathy have been granted initial noncompensable ratings. The claim for tinnitus has also been granted.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for her bilateral plantar fasciitis were denied, but she was granted a higher evaluation of 10 percent for her left foot disability with hallux valgus and a 10 percent evaluation for her right foot disability with hallux valgus (excluding the period of September 3, 2009 to October 31, 2009).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The claim will be readjudicated after all actions are completed.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, headaches, and a disorder manifested as chest pains.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or a result of any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for sinusitis, a skin disability, a breathing disability, headaches and an eye disability in an April 2011 letter. As such, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including referral to the Director of the VA Compensation and Pension Service for extra-schedular consideration due to marked interference with employment caused by her migraine headaches.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to service connection for headaches and amnesia, or any other claimed conditions. The appellant's symptoms were attributed to post-concussion syndrome and dementia rather than service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining relevant medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability for tension headaches or a neck condition, and thus denied the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's spouse does not require regular aid and attendance due to her physical condition, as she has full strength in her upper and lower extremities and can dress herself. She also does not have significant mobility issues or hazards in her daily environment.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The acquired psychiatric disorder is also found to be related to the service-connected head injury with residual headaches and dizziness.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that it is related to parachute jumping during military service. The claim for a higher initial rating for post-concussion syndrome with headaches and the TDIU claim are still pending.