Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Veteran is entitled to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, effective January 26, 2007.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform tasks, warranting a 50% evaluation beginning December 10, 2008. The earlier period from September 10, 2007 through December 9, 2008 was evaluated at 30%.

The Veteran's claims for headaches and PTSD have been partially granted, with some issues being denied. The effective date of the TDIU award is January 5, 2009.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches. The right eye disorder issue is pending as it relates to secondary service connection and consideration of a specific statute.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches and a disorder of the penis is granted. The effective date will be determined based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a videoconference Board hearing at the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for TMJ dysfunction and GERD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Board found that the Veteran's blackouts and headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and service connection may not be presumed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an eye disorder and a chronic headache disorder, to include migraines, are being remanded due to the need for further development of her medical records and examination.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain another VA examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's PTSD claim, as well as updated treatment records from the Biloxi VAMC. The headaches claim will also be remanded for issuance of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's medical expenses at the University of Michigan Hospital were not authorized for payment or reimbursement because VA facilities were feasibly available and he did not attempt to use them beforehand.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current nasal congestion/sinus drainage with headaches are related to his service-connected deviated nasoseptum and depressed right nasal bone.

The Board finds that the Veteran's headaches are not related to service, including as due to herbicide exposure or secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's headaches are aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with chloracne, presumed due to Agent Orange exposure during his Vietnam service.,There is no evidence of a current hearing loss or tinnitus that can be linked to the Veteran's military service. The Board finds that service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.,The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches, as secondary to his PTSD, has been remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not currently have left shoulder, right shoulder, or left leg/hip disabilities. The headaches and hypertension are also not service-connected as they did not start during active duty or within one year of separation.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for vertigo and headaches, which he claims are secondary to his service-connected tinnitus. The Board has ordered additional medical records to be obtained and a VA examination to be scheduled.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including as due to undiagnosed illness, were denied by the Board.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current headache disorder is related to his period of active service or to a service-connected disability. The claim for an increased rating for cervical spine disability was also denied.