Migraines & headaches decisions — 2011

The Board granted service connection for headaches, but denied hypertension and peripheral neuropathy claims. The decision is based on reopening of the headache claim due to new evidence.

The Veteran's hepatitis and cluster headaches have been evaluated, but the issues of bilateral pes planus, left leg disability, and back disability are denied.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus is denied as there is no evidence that preexisting pes planus was aggravated during active military service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for residuals of a head injury with headaches and finds that new evidence supports this claim, including testimony from the Veteran about in-service head trauma and medical records showing continued headache complaints.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is likely due to noise exposure during active and reserve service. The other claims of service connection for low back condition, tinnitus, and migraine headaches are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability and headache disability were not incurred in or aggravated by his active service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine if any current chronic headaches, cavernous sinus tumor, or heart disorder are related to active service or ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's headaches are manifested by constant persistent headaches occurring up to five times weekly, accompanied by severe pain and phonophobia. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 50 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 8100 have been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for epistaxis and ovarian cysts, as well as her increased rating claims for mitral valve prolapse and migraine headaches. The decision also noted that the Veteran's claim for service connection for epistaxis was reopened on new evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for blurred vision and neurological disorders of the upper and lower extremities as secondary to a head injury in military service. The Veteran's headaches are found to be aggravated by the head injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current left shoulder disability that was incurred or aggravated by service, and the cervical spine disability is not shown to be aggravated during service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for trigeminal neuralgia, finding that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen his claim. The Board also found that the Veteran's current condition is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for various disabilities, including a neck disability and related symptoms, are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his in-patient records from service.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for migraine and tension headaches has been granted at 50 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 100% disability rating, and his previously denied claim of hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus is reopened. The issues of service connection for traumatic brain injury, bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and TDIU are all granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records and examinations. The claims will be reconsidered after these are obtained.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition present during service and current tinnitus is unrelated to any injury or disease in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to errors in previous decisions and incomplete records. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations related to his claims of service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, and headaches.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a cerebral vascular accident and migraine headaches as these conditions are not shown to be related to active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment since discharge from service, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed chronic neck disorder and headache disorder are not related to his active military service, as there is no credible evidence of continuous symptoms since service discharge.