Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development of the claims of service connection for a back disability, left eye disability, chronic headaches, and a higher initial rating for residuals of a left knee injury.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and a Social and Industrial Survey to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that service connection for bilateral brachial plexus disability, claimed as a nerve condition, is not warranted due to lack of evidence linking the current disability to service. The Veteran's headaches were also found not related to service.

The Board found no current diagnoses for the Veteran's claimed headache disability, neck condition, skin rash, and breathing condition. The claims were denied as there was insufficient evidence to support service connection.

The Veteran's sinusitis is related to her military service and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's chronic tension headaches are currently rated at 10 percent prior to March 27, 2009 and the appeal is granted for a higher rating of 30 percent thereafter. The effective date remains unchanged.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are characterized by sharp pain occurring at least two or three times a week and lasting two or three hours. For PTSD, the preponderance of evidence indicates that his disability picture has been manifested by symptoms including poor impulse control and suicidal ideation, leading to deficiencies in most areas, including family relations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records, particularly those from 1998 to August 2007 and October 2008 to present.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied.,The claim of new and material evidence to reopen a left knee disability has also been denied.

The Board has dismissed the appellant's appeals on all issues except for the issue of an earlier effective date for service connection for tinnitus. The claim was denied as there is no evidence showing that the Veteran raised a claim within one year of his discharge from service, and the RO did not have notice of any pertinent evidence prior to July 10, 2008.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various foot, ankle, and knee conditions as well as a skin condition. The appeals were not granted due to lack of evidence or new material evidence.

The Board has determined that the nature and etiology of the Veteran's headaches are unclear, and remanded for additional development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of her claims, including a new evaluation for dysthymia and entitlement to automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spondylosis and headaches, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his migraine headaches and determine the nature and likely etiology of any claimed psychiatric disorder. The right knee disorder claim will also be remanded.

The Veteran's vertigo/dizziness and headaches due to traumatic brain injury are rated at 10 percent, the maximum under Diagnostic Code 8045.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of bilateral pterygium removal due to aggravation during active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for tension headaches and assigned an initial 50% rating, effective July 16, 2008. The appeal is mixed as the appellant's claim for chronic fatigue syndrome was denied.

The Veteran's vertigo, with accompanying migraines, was found to be manifested by dizziness and occasional staggering from August 11, 2010 onwards. The Board granted a rating of 30 percent for this condition.