Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the claims for higher ratings for depressive disorder and fracture, left big toe are not granted. The claim for service connection for PTSD, low back disability, skin condition, headaches, gynecological problems, allergies, joint pain, and dental trauma are also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected rheumatoid arthritis and stomach/esophagus disorder, as well as to determine if any headaches or tinnitus are related to his service-connected conditions. The TDIU claim will also be readjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with a current evaluation of 50 percent for headaches, probably migraine, post-concussion. The original rating of 30 percent is considered effective prior to October 24, 2006.

The Veteran's initial ratings for diabetes mellitus and headaches were granted, but the appeals for higher ratings are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at the highest possible evaluation of 50 percent, and his service-connected lumbar spine stenosis is also granted a maximum rating. The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has been granted a maximum rating as well.

The Board has determined that the original grant of service connection for the Veteran's disabilities was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous, thus restoring the previously severed benefits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence.

The Veteran's cause of death, carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater, was not related to his active military service or presumed herbicide exposure. The Board found no evidence linking any of his service-connected disabilities to his death.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for migraine headaches and sinusitis were previously denied on a direct and secondary basis. New evidence has been presented, but the decision is mixed as some issues are granted while others remain denied.

The Veteran's tension headaches occur at least once per month and last three to six hours, warranting a 30% disability rating. The cervical spine condition remains rated as 10%. Further development is needed for the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's death was caused by an accidental acute tramadol intoxication, which is related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. However, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as he had not been continuously rated totally disabled for at least five years immediately prior to death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent headaches, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for dizziness, headaches, and memory loss as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, PTSD, a bilateral knee condition, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low back pain, and migraine headaches, have been denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrences that would support the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, but the evidence does not show the severity required for a higher rating due to very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records from the Veteran's National Guard service and his Workers' Compensation claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and residuals of a right hand injury were denied as there is no competent evidence showing current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the submission of new private medical records, and these records need to be reviewed by the Regional Office (RO) before a decision can be made on the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess his ability to work due to service-connected disabilities and obtaining relevant ongoing VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and traumatic brain injury contributed substantially or materially to his death, which occurred due to a motorcycle accident. The decision grants entitlement to service connection for the cause of death.