Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as his headaches associated with the cervical spine disability, degenerative arthritis of both knees, are not rated higher than their current levels.

The Board found that the Veteran's migraine headaches are not related to his service-connected tinnitus and denied the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to determine his actual service in Vietnam and whether he was exposed to herbicides. The secondary service-connection claims will also be addressed.

The Veteran's asthma and headaches claims were denied, while the service connection for right scaphoid fracture was granted but then severed. The decision on severance is considered final.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, headaches secondary to service-connected sinusitis, and a sleep disorder secondary to service-connected sinusitis. A 10 percent rating is assigned for the right inguinal hernia repair scar.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, chronic sinusitis, headaches, a right inguinal hernia, and hemorrhoids. The remaining issues have been remanded.

The Veteran meets the percentage requirements for TDIU as he has a single service-connected disability rated at 40 percent or more (migraine headaches) and a combined rating of 70 percent or more. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of current hearing impairment. The issue of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for post-concussive headaches requires further development due to the need for VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for sinusitis, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), headaches, respiratory condition, colon condition or GERD, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,Specifically, a VA examination is required to determine if any current disabilities were incurred in service, including as a result of paint sanding and chipping duties. The examiner must also provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's Migraine Headache was reduced from a 40% to a 20% evaluation, effective December 1, 2003. The decision also addressed her TDIU claim for the period prior to May 19, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left temple headaches due to trauma was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of etiology between his in-service assault and current headaches. For bronchitis, the Board noted that no VA examination had been conducted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Parkinson's disease, memory problems, headaches, and loss of smell are related to his service. The examiner found no evidence linking these conditions specifically to a spinal tap performed during service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as he did not have any additional residuals of a head injury other than the scars and migraine aura for which service connection is already in effect.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, and the claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar spondylosis is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a headache disorder as a result of head injury in service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased disability ratings have been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing his appeals.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for tinea pedis and onychomycosis, status post total matrixectomies, bilateral feet was granted.,Service connection for hypertension, to include due to Agent Orange exposure, chronic headaches, and sinusitis were all denied.

The Veteran's genital herpes has not required continuous therapy and is controlled without medication, thus no compensable evaluation can be granted.,There is insufficient evidence to establish that the Veteran incurred sinusitis or headaches in service, or that they are directly related to her service-connected nasal fracture. The Veteran's current sinusitis and headaches may also be attributed to other causes not related to her service.

The Board found that there is no credible and competent evidence linking the Veteran's current headaches to his service, including a head injury in 1983. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any currently diagnosed back disability, headache disability, and residuals of CS gas exposure.