Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing at the local RO. The issues of service connection for left foot pain, lumbar strain, migraine headaches, and PTSD are still under consideration.

The Veteran's recurrent headaches were found to be aggravated by service, while his OSA was not shown to be related to service or the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's mixed headaches with tension and migrainous components are productive of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks that result in occupational impairment equivalent to severe economic inadaptability, warranting a 50 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his TBI, including his headaches. The RO will also review the claims file and ensure all requested development has been completed before readjudicating the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for maxillary sinusitis, residuals of an orbital bone fracture of the left eye, and headaches.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a head injury and gastrointestinal disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to insufficient competent medical evidence and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen claims for service connection for PTSD, low back disorder, hepatitis, stomach disorder, leg cramps, and headaches. However, new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran has been shown to have a current lumbar spine disorder that first manifested in service, and headaches that also began during service.,The Board finds the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and headaches are granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded due to the need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cluster headaches, bilateral optic atrophy, and loss of visual fields as secondary to service-connected bilateral optic atrophy are denied. The initial disability rating for cluster headaches is not greater than 10 percent, the initial disability rating for bilateral optic atrophy is not greater than 90 percent, and the initial disability ratings for loss of visual fields are not greater than 20 or 30 percent as of December 10, 2008 and August 14, 2010 respectively.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The Board found that the submitted statements were duplicative.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and corns on his bilateral fifth toes have been granted service connection. The Board has determined that these conditions had their onset during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for tinea barb�, pseudofolliculitis. The issues of service connection for rhinorrhea and headaches are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnosed underlying conditions for her claimed back pain, bilateral shoulder pain, and headaches. As such, she is denied service connection for these conditions.,For her adjustment disorder with depression, the Board notes that while there was in-service treatment for depression, no opinion could be provided regarding whether it is at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are causally related to her service-connected thoracic spine disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, effective July 8, 2008. The Veteran's PTSD is not entitled to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent prior to March 5, 2009. From March 5, 2009, the Veteran's PTSD warrants a 50 percent rating. Service connection for a mid-back disorder was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and clarify the relationship between her uterine fibroids and miscarriages. The case will be re-adjudicated after these actions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate VA examination and incomplete readjudication. The Veteran is required to undergo another VA examination for her tailbone disorder claim, and her initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for migraine headaches must be readjudicated.

The Veteran's service records do not show any chronic headaches or tinnitus as a result of head trauma during his military service. The Board has determined that the current conditions are not related to his service.